Essex schools child murder against children as young as nine have been documented occurring at school. Essex detectives have probed a range of violent weapons offences at schools, including attempted murder, threats to kill, and racially or religiously aggravated assault. Exclusively gathered data from EssexLive revealed that there have been a total of 203 incidents reported of youngsters possessing or utilising weapons within schools since the beginning of 2022.
An inquiry filed under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to Essex Police unveiled that they had apprehended individuals for 65 criminal acts. These charges encompassed instances of brandishing a blade or a pointed item in a menacing manner, making threats to cause harm or death, attempted murder, and cases of non-fatal strangulation.
The predominant age of the victim in the recorded incidents was 13, whereas the predominant age of the suspect was 14. The offender was under the age of 10 on 26 instances, while the victim was nine years old or younger on 17 occasions.
Julie Taylor, an advocate against knife violence, is persistently advocating for more teaching on knife crime in schools. According to her statement to EssexLive, she believes that schools should provide a highly secure environment for young individuals. I implore parents to communicate openly with their children and thoroughly inspect their living spaces, belongings, and social circles – this constitutes responsible parenting.
“It is imperative to implement early intervention programs in schools starting at seven or eight. These programs should focus on educating students about the risks associated with knife and violent crime, emphasising the importance of making responsible choices and understanding the consequences. Additionally, it is crucial to have individuals who have experienced the repercussions of such crimes share their stories, highlighting the wide-ranging impact it has on everyone involved and the subsequent difficulties it brings.”
In July, law enforcement was sent to Sandon School in Chelmsford in response to a Year 9 student who had carried a knife into the premises. Headteacher Andrew Weaver called the situation “alarming.”
Complete list of offences recorded by Essex Police:
- Assault with injury – assault occasioning actual bodily harm
- Assault without injury – common assault and battery
- Harassment – putting people in fear of violence
- Threaten with a blade or sharply pointed article on school/further education premises
- Fear or provocation of violence
- Attempted – Robbery (of Personal Property)
- Threats to kill
- Threaten with an offensive weapon on school/further education premises.
- Harassment
- Racially or religiously aggravated common assault or beating
- Stalking – Pursue a course of conduct in breach of Sec 1 (1), which amounts to stalking
- Sending letters, etc, with the intent to cause distress or anxiety
- Attempted murder
- Possession of an offensive weapon without lawful authority or reasonable excuse
- Sexual assault on a male child under 13
- Causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress
- Non-fatal strangulation and suffocation
- Racially or religiously aggravated fear or provocation of violence
- Robbery (of Personal Property)
- Other criminal damage to a vehicle (Under £5,000)
- Other criminal damage, other (Under £5,000)
The latest official data reveals that the number of weapon-related offences in Essex has reduced by 0.7% in the 12 months ending in June 2024, compared to the same period in the previous year. Essex Police persist in their efforts to confront and combat the ongoing issue.
The largest demographic of victims consists of males between the ages of 10 and 19. From April 2023 to April 2024, there were 1,519 incidents involving the use of knives in Essex, representing a 7% drop compared to the previous period leading up to April 2023.
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Hughes asserts that the issue at hand is primarily rooted in young individuals’ status and posturing behaviours. He stated: “Although the statistics are showing positive progress, I acknowledge that this may not provide much solace to individuals who have experienced a severe knife crime incident.”
“I implore you to recognise that knife crime is not as prevalent as it may seem, despite the perception that it is happening all around you.” Our ‘Op Grip’ hotspot policing methodology, initially tested in Essex and now implemented nationwide in England and Wales, offers a cutting-edge and efficient strategy for addressing the issue.
“The model observes visible patrols occurring in areas where we have statistical evidence of a higher probability of violent crime.”
“Moreover, we possess knowledge regarding the specific timeframes during which these instances of violence are prone to occur, and our patrols are strategically concentrated during those periods to maximise their efficacy.”
“Our message to young individuals who may have concerns regarding knife crime is uncomplicated. The news of individuals who have sustained injuries or lost their lives due to knife-related incidents is very concerning. However, it is essential to note that carrying a knife does not enhance personal safety; instead, it increases one’s vulnerability to harm.
“Possessing a knife in a public setting, regardless of the circumstances, is certain to exacerbate the situation.” In Essex, we know a limited number of individuals who possess knives, yet even one such individual is considered excessive.
“If you know someone who possesses a knife, it is of utmost importance that you promptly inform us.” Alternatively, if you would rather converse with a reliable family member or an educator, methods are available to submit a report anonymously, such as utilising charitable organisations like Crimestoppers.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.