Watford knife crime fears after three teens stabbed

The latest attack saw a 19-year-old rushed to hospital on Tuesday, June 6, after officers were called to Blackmoor Lane, near Croxley Business Park, at 12.25pm.

It followed an 18-year-old being found with suspected stab wounds after an "altercation” in the Forest Road area of North Watford on May 29, and a 15-year-old found with suspected stab injuries in Cassiobury Park on April 28.

• Teen found with stab wounds as police helicopter called
• 15-year-old in hospital with 'stab wounds' after park attack
• Teenager 'stabbed' in Watford sparks armed police search

Police dog and forensics vehicles at the entrance to Beggars Bush Lane on Tuesday (Image: Watnews)

No one has been arrested in connection with the three incidents. Police are not linking them and those involved are thought to have been known to each other.

Local mum Sara Muir said she fears for her son, 15, after he walked through Cassiobury Park the day before a teenager was rushed to hospital from the same area.

“It’s disconcerting. You are worried about your kids’ safety,” she added. “We need to ask questions of local leaders and police.

Helicopter spotted overhead near Croxley Business Park (Image: Watnews)

"There are three of these stabbings that I know of and that’s three too many.”

There was also another incident where a man was allegedly stabbed after being hit by a vehicle in Little Oxhey Lane on May 4. Four men were arrested and two, aged 36 and 33, have since been charged. 

West Watford county councillor Nigel Bell said: “It’s clear there are more crimes involving violence in and around our town, including Cassiobury Park, and I know many residents are demanding more police patrols to at least make residents feel more reassured.

"Our residents across the town expect and want to see action from their MP and the mayor to crack down on what is clearly now a major issue to so many young people and families across our town."

Watford MP Dean Russell said he shared “the deep concerns of the community” following the incidents, adding that “tackling knife crime has been a top priority for me”, while Watford mayor Peter Taylor said the "terrible acts" will not be tolerated.

They highlighted local police action and prevention schemes and urged people to report suspicions.

"While such incidents do not happen often in Watford, they are always unacceptable and have a big impact on the community," the mayor added.

Police in Little Oxhey Lane on May 4 after a man was allegedly hit by a vehicle and then stabbed. (Image: Contribution)

Watford resident Stuart Young questioned whether the wider public should be concerned and if the area is now “really that dangerous” for most residents.

Watford chief inspector Andy Wiseman told the Watford Observer: “I understand that news of this nature will be concerning to local residents, but please be assured that at this stage, we have no reason to believe that these incidents are linked.

Watford chief inspector Andy Wiseman (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)“Early enquiries suggest that in each of these incidents, those involved are known to each other.

“The matters remain under investigation at this time, and we would ask anyone with any information regarding the incidents to get in contact with us, as they may be able to assist with our enquiries."

The force say actions to tackle knife crime as part of their “zero-tolerance policy” include last month's Op Sceptre, which involved patrols, knife sweeps, talks in schools, amnesty bins, and talking with local business about the sale of knives.

“Countless” knives were seized or surrendered and “several” arrests were made, police said.

Further events at Watford schools are planned this month with help from anti-violence campaigner Alison Cope as the county employs its “prevention first approach”.