Stabbing prompts plea for more voices

RESIDENTS left fearful after a teenager was stabbed are being encouraged to make their voices heard.

Activists are urging anyone concerned with crime in their area to join the Havant and Waterlooville Independent Advisory Group.

The collective is one of many across the country set up after the death of Stephen Lawrence, to allow communities to act as ‘critical friends to the police’ and to work with them to improve public confidence and build a safer community.

After a man was charged following the stabbing of a 15-year-old boy in Havant on Friday, the group’s chairwoman, Wendy Coates, said: ‘On my group I have no one from the Havant , Leigh Park, Battins, Bedhampton or the Wecock Farm area – so I am asking residents or those employed in these areas to come forward to help us ensure your voice is heard.'

To learn more about Independent Advisory Groups, or request an application, go to tinyurl.com/yxkcztek