A shopping centre where two boys were stabbed in January has become a safe haven for people who feel their lives are in danger.

This means anyone who feels in danger in Croydon town centre can go to the Whitgift Centre and take shelter.

Anyone who feels unsafe can go to the information point, Centre Tower or Sainsbury’s and talk to a member of staff and immediately be taken to a safe place.

Tomorrow’s launch of the CitySafe Haven sheme comes after eight youth leaders from Croydon Citizens reached an agreement with the shopping centre’s executive director Andrew Bauer.

The youth leaders were from Croydon College and Coulsdon College.

Coulsdon College student president Ismael Musoke, 18, said: “Young people in Croydon are too often in the news for negative reasons.

“It’s important that we take action and get recognition for doing something positive for the borough.

And Patricia Uwagboe, 18, from Croydon College, said: “There’s a popular saying that there’s no place like home and this is because you feel safe at home.

“Croydon is our home and every resident should feel safe.

“That’s why we’re delighted that the Whitgift Centre has agreed to become a CitySafe Haven.

“Young people in Croydon love to use the Whitgift Centre and it’s good to know that if we’re ever feeling unsafe there’s somewhere we can go.”

CitySafe Havens are dedicated to the memory of Jimmy Mizen, the 16-year-old boy who was murdered in a bakery in Lee in 2008.

There are now more than 600 CitySafe Havens in London with an increasing number in Croydon including Tesco in Thornton Heath and the House of Reeves furniture store.