School Children mugged as broken bottle was thrust at their necks!

The Harvester's iron bridge is intimidating enough without attacks on young people.

A local mother rang my office this afternoon and complained that her young son has been mugged twice in two years. on the iron bridge next to the Harvesters in Chadwell Ward. 

Only yesterday afternoon at 15:00 her son was with 2 colleagues, when they were threatened on the bridge by four assailants.  The aggressors were described as 2 black and 2 Asian  youths between 17 and 20 years old. It has been alleged that broken bottles were pressed to the necks of the victims in a despicable act of malice. The muggers obtained an undisclosed sum of money and 2 mobile phones.

I have asked the local Police to patrol the area more vigorously in an attempt to eradicate the crime.   I would advise parents to warn their children of the potential threat and for them to turn around and find an alternative route, if they view any suspicious behaviour on the bridge.  Moreover, I would advise that children using the bridge avoid carrying expensive items were possible, whilst traversing the bridge.  Thus far all the reported bridge crime has involved children and young people.

Our Chadwell Safer Neighbourhoods Team said:

"Hi Wilson, The below info will be passed to the Goodmayes team as its my understanding this robbery happened on the other side of the iron bridge being there ward. We will up our patrols on our part.

If there are any witnesses to the crime please inform Chadwell SNT by calling 020 8721 2562. 

Our Chadwell Safer Neighbourhood Team and I have informed the Goodmayes SNT of the potential threat at the location.  I am sure a joined up approach to resolving the issue will ensue.   Sgt Lowrie of Chadwell SNt said:

"......Chadwell is doing a lot of work around such crimes on the ward. One male was arrested after a violent struggle with my PCSO's and Paul . He was charged with three robberies and Paul again helped officers detain two more this week in Chadwell Heath Lane. They were also dealt with successfully."  In fact it was Dean whom the victims stopped, so it shows we were close by...."

Leading our Chadwell Police Team, the dynamic Sgt Lowrie is ensuring we have the most organised and committed team in Ilford South.  I am sure the problems associated with this crossing will disappear.  However we must be vigilant as a community and should continue to ensure, we report all crimes to the Police.

Once on the bridge there is no way out!