Sadness hanging over city

Last night hundreds of people gathered off Sunderland’s North Moor Lane to pay special tribute to murdered teenager Connor Brown with a balloon release in honour.

This afternoon thousands of SAFC fans were expected to join in with the applause in a minute’s celebration of the youngster’s life when Sunderland took on Plymouth Argyle at the Stadium of Light.

These are just the latest of many tributes that have been paid to the 18-year-old who was stabbed to death in a back lane in the early hours of Sunday.

A week later, the tragedy is still sending shock waves throughout Wearside.

Tonight, many parents of young adults will naturally be feeling uneasy as their children head out to the clubs and pubs of Sunderland for a night out.

And police and lesiure operators have stressed that they will be placing great emphasis on making sure young people can enjoy a safe night.

Lorraine Griffiths, owner of several city centre bars, says she is putting door staff through extended first aid training and drafting in bodycams and additional CCTV to increase safety.

She added that links between the police and city centre businesses were also tight, with door staff and officers quick to act if concerns are raised about worrying behaviour or suspicions weapons are being carried.

Meanwhile, Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt, area commander for Sunderland and South Tyneside, pledged to do everything she can to make the city centre safe.

In the wake of last Sunday’s tragic events, police and nightspot owners must continue to look at ways of making sure our young adults are as safe as possible.

Tonight, there’ll be a sadness hanging over our city. Tonight, in our bars and clubs it won’t be business as usual. How could it be?