Romford MP Andrew Rosindell has demanded more police on the streets of Romford after a shopping centre stabbing.
The Conservative politician, who returned to Parliament after almost two years on Monday (February 19), urged London mayor Sadiq Khan to give Romford extra police resources.
His comments come after reports that a man was stabbed in the car park at The Brewery shopping centre on Tuesday (February 20).
Admad Samadi, 27, of Bow Road, has since been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon in connection with the incident.
"Romford cannot be allowed to turn into a place where violent crime becomes common place," Mr Rosindell said.
"I demand the Mayor of London gives us the additional police resources we need in Romford to keep our town safe."
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The stabbed man, 23, had taken himself to an east London hospital and police confirmed he sustained non life threatening injuries.
When asked whether Romford will be given additional police resources, a spokesperson for Mr Khan said the London mayor was doing all he could to be tough on crime, but did not comment specifically on the east London town.
"Nothing is more important to the mayor than keeping Londoners safe," the spokesperson said.
"There is still more to do," they added. "[But] the rate of violent crime [in London] remains below that for the rest of England and Wales."
A "record" £1.148 billion investment in policing, including more funding for Mr Khan's violence reduction unit, was recently announced, the spokesperson said.
"Progress continues to be made in London, with homicide, gun crime and the number of young people being injured with knives all falling in London since 2016," they added.
Other recent crimes in Havering include a double stabbing in Harold Hill, an assault at Elm Park station and a man being stabbed in the leg in Hornchurch, also on Tuesday.
Mr Rosindell said he is "closely monitoring" the situation in Havering.
"I will work diligently with local Romford police and the authorities to address and combat this issue," he aid.
"I want Romford to go back to being the safe, family friendly place I grew up in."
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