Residents say they’ve experienced unwanted comments and seen anti-social behaviour
Women in Islington ‘tried to avoid’ Elthorne Park amid safety concerns before a near-fatal stabbing rocked the community on Monday night (November 3). Forensics teams collected evidence from bushes and leafy pathways this afternoon as work continues to piece together what happened.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed a woman in her 20s is fighting for her life almost 48 hours after the late-night ‘attack’. Onlookers gathered to watch detectives investigate on Tuesday; today benches and swings lie empty.
“I’ve lived around here my whole life and I don’t feel safe anymore,” a young woman pushing a pram tells MyLondon. She says she frequently faces unwanted comments from older men and public drinkers during daytime walks.
“It’s creepy in there and that’s before it even gets dark. But, it’s always been like that,” she adds.
Another woman, who also chose to stay anonymous, feels she cannot enjoy the area after a certain time. She says: “I don’t walk around alone at night at night if I can help it.
“I bring my kids here and we’ve had some bother but I am surprised someone was stabbed. I was so sorry to hear about it.”
This was a sentiment shared by Michelle Brown, who lives past Elthorne Park towards Hornsey Lane. The North Londoner has witnessed issues with anti-social and drunk behaviour in the green space.
The 54-year-old says: “That [Elthorne Park] wouldn’t be my top place to go. It’s not somewhere I’d choose to wander around much.
“I used to take my child there and it was fine but it seems to have gotten worse in recent years.”
Sadly, Michelle is no stranger to knife crime in Islington. A person was reportedly stabbed on the footpath next to her home earlier in the year.
She continues: “I think it’s generally fine around here. You just don’t want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“But, there’s a big difference between night and day. You’d never go there [pointing towards Hornsey Rise] unless you were looking for trouble.”
For Beverly, a bigger worry is the wider problem across London. The 59-year-old says she feels safe but multiple similar incidents in the borough are cause for concern.
In recent weeks, a double stabbing on Essex Road left two teenage boys in hospital. Yesterday (November 4), a man in his 40s was slashed in the neck further along the busy street.
“I’ve been here a long time and never had any problems,” Beverly says, “These things always happen in the evenings but that park is actually quite well lit.
“It worries me a little but it’s happening all too often now.”
A sense of unease can also be felt amongst nearby shop staff. Jada, a shop assistant, began working on the adjacent Hornsey Road recently but already worries what could happen after dark.
The 22-year-old says she checks behind her a lot, grips her belongings and often thinks about whether she has something on her to protect her.
“It’s not that bad here, but it’s definitely getting worse. Safety is something you have to be aware of in London quite often.”
Two arrested in connection
A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection to Monday’s stabbing. He was apprehended yesterday (November 4) and remains in custody.
The Metropolitan Police say this suspect and the injured woman are known to each other.
A woman in her 50s was arrested on the same day on suspicion of assisting an offender. She too remains in police custody.
Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in Central North, said: “The arrest of the suspect marks a significant stage in our investigation. Though a man is in custody, we do understand that this incident has caused extreme concern in the community and we would like to reassure the public there will be extra officers in the area over the next few days as enquiries continue.
“As our investigation is still ongoing we’d urge anyone with any information or who may have been a witness to please contact us…. The smallest bit of information could make a real difference.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 7669/03NOV. Anonymous reports can also be made to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111 or the charity’s website.
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