Why is East London so unsafe?

[reasonableme]

I read about an 18 year old teen who lost his life in Walthamstow trying to protect his mother from a thug. My heart goes out to him and his family who had to endure this extremely unfortunate tragedy. He was described as quiet and respectful by his neighbours. He was not involved in gangs or drugs or such anti social behaviour. He was simply trying to protect his mother. I really hope the police catch the low life who did this to him 😢

I am surprised that the news did not make it to any major news channels. Is it because people are used to these incidents in East London? Which really makes me wonder - why is East London so unsafe? Why does every teen stabbing and every crime find its address in East London?

More importantly what can we do to stop this and make our areas safer?

Please be gentle in your responses. I have been crying since I read the news and feeling very low.

It's horrible. I'm local to this and the community is in shock. The boy had a really bright future ahead of him.

Honestly? The news stretches east London a while out - they will state places such as Romford or Upminster are East London when they are very much essex. So it feels like more happens.

I've never felt unsafe living in East London, and have lived here all my life. Thankfully never been a victim of crime here.

The other problem we have is that the Olympic Village is seen as "neutral" territory for a lot of gangs as it's so new so a lot of gang wars happen there.

Lockdown seems to have bred a lot more crime, unemployment is high, people are frustrated and quite frankly desperate,

I am still in shock and tears seeing his beautiful pictures. His school, his university and his friends have only great things to say about him.Such a bright young life lost for no reason. I am surprised they haven't nabbed the culprits yet considering they have the address from the Uber driver.

And no matter what, he can never come back and my heart goes out to him and his family. No one deserves this 😢.

Do you live in that area OP?

To be fair op, you've been "crying since you heard" this and want kindness, yet you imply, or even assert, that those of us who live in the area couldn't give a shit. Local families, schools, social media are all horrified and saddened every single time one of these awful crimes happen. Just because we don't post it on MN doesn't mean we care less than you.

@magicbabywaves, no I don't live in the area but I live in East London

@superstardjs, no I didn't say anything like that. I think you assumed it. At the time, the news was not on any major news channels but after relentless tweeting and social media outpour by his friends, a murder investigation has now been launched by the met police. I hope his family and friends get the justice they deserve.

Ok, because I take issue with you saying Walthamstow is unsafe. I live here and it’s not. Agree with the PP when the media reports ‘east London’ they’re often places outside the north circular.
There has been a lot of discussion, shock and sympathy about this round here.