Dear all,
I am sure many of you would have seen the reports over the weekend and share our deep shock and sadness of the passing of a teenage boy in Luton on Friday following reports of stabbings.
As is often the case, misinformation and rumours have spread on social media which may be causing additional anxiety and concern for families.
The local authority has been in close liaison with the police over the weekend and we have had assurance that there is no further threat from Friday’s incidents and your children are safe to attend school as normal. Five people have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Any child or parent who wants to discuss concerns and feel they need to talk to someone about this weekend’s incidents or something they have seen online are encouraged to speak to your child’s school in the first instance.
Of course, if you would feel more comfortable talking to someone outside of the school environment, BLMK Mind Matters offer a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss and explore issues around wellbeing and mental health: https://www.mind-blmk.org.uk/how-we-can-help/bedford/mind-matters/
Incidents like these bring concern to the whole community, and there remains a profound sense of sadness that a life so young has been lost in these circumstances.
The police issued a statement earlier today setting out their continued commitment to working with partners across Luton and wider to address the key drivers of serious youth violence. This cannot be done by the police alone and we have a joined up approach across many organisations including the local authority and schools.
We must all continue to work together to tackle knife crime and serious youth violence.
Wishing you all a good week ahead.
Yours sincerely,
Dheeraj Chibber
Director of Children’s Service, Luton Borough Council
Cllr Tahmina Saleem
Portfolio Holder for Luton Children’s Services
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