Police, Merton Council and other community groups are looking to provide residents with reassurance about knife crime.

To do this, an event has been organised for next week where the goal is to raise awareness of the work being done to tackle knife crime and what support systems are in place for people affected by it.

So far, the police, Crimestoppers, Victim Support, Unique Talent and the council’s youth offending team have all confirmed they will be attending.

As well as presentations and networking, there will be a marketplace with stalls run by organisations which are engaged in the prevention and detection of knife crime.

The council’s cabinet member for community safety, engagement and equalities, Edith Macauley, said: “Although Merton is one of the safest boroughs in London, we are aware that our residents are affected by knife crime and the fear of crime is a key concern for them.

“The council is working closely with our partners to ensure residents stay safe. This event is an opportunity to find out what organisations are doing to prevent knife crime, support victims and bring perpetrators to justice.”

The event will be held in Morden Baptist Church in Crown Lane, on Saturday, May 18 between 9.30am and 12.30pm.