A new youth crime task force has been created to curb youth violence, after a series of teen murders.

A joint initiative between Croydon Council, Croydon police and Croydon Business Improvement District (BID) met on Monday to discuss the creation of a youth crime task force to “up the game” against youth violence after an increase of incidents in the borough.

Three teens have been killed in the borough in as many months. Promising footballer Oliver Kingonzila, 19, Nilanthan Murddi, 17, and Shakilus Townsend, 16, were all stabbed to death on Croydon’s streets. All had links to street gangs.

A council spokesman said: “The initial meeting took place yesterday and it was agreed that the priority is to produce a single, co-ordinated action plan as a matter or urgency.

“Much positive work is already taking place, but the seriousness of the situation demands an intensified approach. A number of initiatives are already being developed by police and the council, including some high profile operational and strategic measures.”

“A youth crime task force, comprising high-level representatives from the council, police and business, has been established to tackle the increase the town’s youth-related violence.

“It will focus on prevention, enforcement and the provision of reassurance needed to restore Croydon’s reputation as a safe place for people to enjoy and for businesses to prosper.

“As an indication of the seriousness of the initiative, the task force is being chaired jointly by the chief executive of Croydon Council, Jon Rouse, and the borough commander, chief superintendent Mark Gore.”

The task force will announce its launch at a full council meeting next Monday, but borough commander Mark Gore told the Croydon Guardian: “A lot of work has gone into the creation of the task force.

“We are going to up the game but it wouldn’t be fair to say anything until Monday.”

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