Kingston Council and the Metropolitan Police both sought to reassure residents today in the wake of the fatal stabbing that took Malik Chattun’s life in Cambridge Gardens last Sunday.

Liz Green, the leader of the council, and Sally Benatar, chief superintendent at the Met Police issued a joint-statement on Friday (August 10).

The statement read: “Kingston is a safe borough, with some of the lowest crime rates in London.

“Knife crime is a concern across the capital, but in Kingston, it is lower compared to other London boroughs.”

“The fatal stabbing that took the life of Malik Chattun has been upsetting and unsettling, and we send our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

“Following the tragic events of last week, we would like to reassure residents that we continue to work hard to protect you and work together in partnership to build safe and stronger communities”.

The Met police has increased uniformed patrols around the area where the incident took place and are reviewing the CCTV around the Cambridge Road.

They are developing an action plan led by the Safer Kingston Partnership to tackle knife related crime.