As many readers will be aware, at 9.46am on Thursday 6th October, Police received a call reporting multiple stabbings on the pavement outside of 22 Bishopsgate. Police Officers arrived at the scene within 5 minutes. Victims were taken by the London Ambulance Service to a nearby Hospital to be treated.
This morning I attended a briefing with the investing team and whilst it would be inappropriate to share any information on a live investigation, I can confirm that non-life-threatening injuries were sustained to 5 victims.
Officers at the City of London Police are working with colleagues at the Metropolitan Police in a search to find the 2 suspects and are appealing for information following this violent attempted robbery. A number of people were in the area at the time of the incident and officers would like anyone with further information to come forward. This can be done anonymously and in confidence. Anyone with information about the incident should use the Major Incident Public Portal or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Whilst these incidents are concerning for local workers and residents in and around Bishopsgate, I would like to reassure them that levels of violent crime are extremely low in the City of London. However, the City Police do recognise that there is an issue with scooters mounting the pavement and snatching mobile phones. Police have had targeted campaigns to try and reduce this type of crime, with some success. In July 2022, there were 141 phone snatching incidents, in August 116 and in September 37. Whilst every crime needs to be prevented wherever possible, we must remember to contextualise the number of crimes to align resource appropriately. With 16 million people in the City and 10 million going through Liverpool Street Station every month, the overall level of crime remains low.
Police continue to remind those living, working or visiting the City to be mindful of their surroundings when using their mobile phones. The latest phones can cost up to £1,500 each, so I ask you all to remember their value and not make it easy for would-be criminals.
