An MP has urged for a bigger police presence in Havering following recent stabbings.

Andrew Rosindell said it was "deeply worrying" to hear about three teenage boys being found with knife wounds after police received a report of a stabbing in South Street, Romford on Monday (February 27).

It comes after a New City College student was stabbed near to its Ardleigh Green campus in Hornchurch last week.

Romford MP Mr Rosindell said: “It is unacceptable that violent crime continues to plague our streets, last week in Ardleigh Green, this week in Romford town centre.  Action must be taken to address this issue."

Read More: Romford town centre stabbings: Three males arrested

In November last year, the Recorder reported Havering had seen a yearly rise of about 28 per cent in knife crime.

Extra police officers were allocated to the area as part of a scheme called Operation Yamhill by the Metropolitan Police.

Read More: Havering knife crime rockets by 28pc in a year

But Mr Rosindell believes more needs to be done, claiming: “The Mayor of London is ultimately responsible for policing in Greater London and we in Havering are never prioritised.

“I call on the Mayor of London to act immediately to increase the number of police officers on our streets in Havering and provide them with the resources they need to do their job effectively."

Romford Recorder: Romford MP Andrew RosindellRomford MP Andrew Rosindell (Image: Andrew Rosindell)

Police have arrested three males in connection with yesterday’s South Street incident while an 18-year-old man has been arrested relating to the Hornchurch stabbing on February 21.

The force did not respond directly to Mr Rosindell’s comments.

A spokesperson for London mayor Sadiq Khan said: “The mayor’s thoughts are with the teenagers injured and their loved ones at this time.   

“Tackling violence and building a safer London for everyone is the mayor’s top priority.

"There is still a long way to go, but violent crime is still falling in London, bucking the national trend.

"Against the backdrop of huge government cuts, the mayor has invested more than £1billion in policing and is directly funding 1,300 extra police officers in our town centres and communities, helping to elevate Met officer numbers to their highest levels in history.

"In the area that covers Havering, Redbridge and Barking and Dagenham, the number of officers has increased by 400 since 2018 and the mayor has recently announced funding for 500 new police community support officers for the areas of London that need them most."

Police are appealing for information relating to the South Street incident.

Any witnesses are asked to call 101 quoting CAD 5355/27Feb. 

To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.