POLICE are taking robust action after a spate of stabbings in Southampton.
Knife crime destroys lives, families and harms communities, according to a Hampshire police chief.
However, the county force says it is working with schools, local authorities, retailers, and more to tackle the issue.
Chief Inspector Ricky Dhanda, deputy district commander for Southampton has vowed that officers are "working as hard as they can to bring offenders to justice".
His comments come following a series of violent attacks in the city.
A 15-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after being stabbed in the Bitterne Manor Park area on March 26.
An attempted murder investigation had been launched just days before when a 19-year-old man suffered serious injuries during an incident in Ascupart Street on March 14.
Chief Inspector Dhanda said: “When someone is attacked with a knife in a public place, it understandably causes concern among local residents.
"I would like to reassure them that when these tragic incidents take place we work as hard as we can to bring offenders to justice and review our response so we continue to keep Southampton safe.
CI Dhanda says the force has “strong links” with youth groups and charities who help them educate young people intent on carrying a knife.
“We also regularly engage with young people as part of our day-to-day policing to understand why they carry knives and warn them of the dangers and illegality of carrying one,” he added.
He said “a lot of work” has been done with venues in the city to use knife arches as part of their condition of entry, with many premises now having their own facilities.
He says that as a result, knife-related violence in Southampton’s night-time economy is low, which is a "real success story".
READ MORE: Man seriously injured after stabbing in Ascupart Street Southampton
Cllr Spiros Vassiliou, the city council boss for communities, previously told the Echo how a community fund of £50,000 has been set aside to combat knife and drug crime.
READ MORE: Residents call for more youth support after stabbing on Southampton estate
The cash will be used to educate Southampton youths about the dangers of carrying blades
It will also be used to fund diversionary activities and reduce anti-social behaviour.
He said: “As a council, we are very, very serious about tackling crime and we are working with the police and pushing for more police in Southampton.
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