The mother of a man who was stabbed to death in 2014 has told Sky News the country is in a “state of emergency” over knife crime and urged Sadiq Khan to do more.
Pastor Lorraine Jones, a youth campaigner, lost her 21-year-old son Dwayne after he was attacked in Brixton, south London, in 2014 while he protected a younger boy.
She reflected on Wednesday’s attack in Croydon, south London, to Sky’s Kay Burley, in which a 15-year-old girl, who has been named locally as Eliyanna, was killed. A 17-year-old boy has been arrested.
“I’ve been crying – I know what the mother’s facing and the father, and the family, and we don’t often speak about the perpetrators family, but it’s young people that have become sick,” she said.
“Nobody’s born a killer.”
She added: “The last time I was here speaking to you, I spoke about the lack of resources to help such individuals. We’re going to see more unless we are helped to help those most vulnerable.
“They’re saying a 17-year-old, that’s a teenager. He should be on his way to college or work if he’s got an apprenticeship.
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“But instead, in the early hours of the morning, he has armed himself with a zombie knife or a long blade – it reminds me of what killed my son – and killed an innocent child on her way to school.
“It’s a state of emergency, but we need help to help them.”
No charges have been made yet following the attack.
Pastor Jones also said she runs two projects in London – a boxing ring that was set up in her son’s memory and a community youth group.
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“Just last week I had a women’s and girls only meeting at my centre,” she said.
“We had about 30, the youngest girl was 11. Why? Because she’s anxious of the transition going into secondary school because of all what’s on.
“So we have to support young girls like that – can you imagine this kind of fear and anxiety with our young girls? We used to be fearful of our boys and now it’s increased.”
Despite the success of her community projects, she told Sky News she has struggled for funding in recent years, blaming the allocation of resources.
“I’ve been filling out forms, grants only to get replies with ‘sorry, there’s so many applying. We’re sorry we can’t help you’.
“So whatever is being done is not getting to those that need it.”
Pastor Jones urged London Mayor Sadiq Khan, whom she has met and knows, to invite her around the table, adding she has a number of people who can join her.
“He might be surprised what I’m saying, but it’s about who you’re putting in position to support the local community.
“I’m being honest, and I could bring a number of people around the table – we need help.”
Sky News has contacted City Hall for a response.
Speaking to the mother of the girl who was killed in Croydon on Wednesday, she said: “Hold on to who she is. That beautiful young girl that you nurtured. Hold onto those beautiful, positive memories and you fight to keep living.
“Keep your light shining. You will get through this.
“My love and my prayers are with you. You will get through this.”
