I am deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic killing of 14-year-old Eghosa Ogbebor in Woolwich.

A child.
A life full of potential.
Taken far too soon.

My thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire community during this painful time.
But we cannot ignore what residents are increasingly saying:

👉 This is not an isolated incident.

People living in and around Woolwich have been raising concerns for years about rising crime, youth violence, and a growing sense that our streets are becoming less safe.

When incidents like this happen, we must ask difficult but necessary questions:
• Why are young people getting caught up in violence?
• Why are communities feeling less safe year after year?
• Why are early intervention services being reduced?

At the same time, we have seen:
• Youth services and safe spaces under threat
• Adventure play centres facing closure
• Reduced community support for vulnerable young people
• Growing inequality and lack of opportunities

You cannot cut youth support, remove safe spaces, and ignore community voices — and then be surprised when problems escalate.

Prevention matters.

Safe spaces matter.

Youth engagement matters.

Community trust matters.

Policing alone is not the solution.

We need investment in young people, families, and communities.

Greenwich Council must take responsibility for creating safer environments — not just reacting after tragedies happen.

Because one life lost is already too many.
We owe it to Eghosa, and to every young person in our borough, to do better.

🕊️ Rest in peace.

#Woolwich #Greenwich #CommunitySafety #YouthSupport #SE18