Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers has called for police stop and search powers to be fully deployed after a teenager was stabbed on a bus in Muswell Hill, N10, in her constituency over the weekend.
The 19-year-old victim remains in a critical condition in hospital following surgery after the alleged attack on the 134 bus at Colney Hatch Lane on Saturday afternoon.
“It is deeply worrying that another teenager has been stabbed and my thoughts are with him and his family. I wish him a full recovery,” Theresa said.
“Last week in Parliament, I called for stop and search powers to be used to the fullest extent permitted by law because they are a powerful mechanism for the police to use to keep knives off our streets. In the light of what has happened on a bus in broad daylight in my constituency, I repeat that call.
“I have been campaigning for more police in Barnet. But a response to knife crime that only covers policing will not be sufficient. As I have said before, it is vital to focus on long-term prevention, as well as policing, including programmes to help young people get away from gangs and resist their influence.
“It is a terrible tragedy that so many young people have lost their lives to knife crime. A concerted effort by the Mayor, the Government, local government, schools and other agencies is needed to tackle this issue and keep children and young people safe in our city."
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed a 17-year-old youth has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in relation to the alleged attack and he remains in custody.
