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Peace march against knife crime Peace march against knife crime
(about 2 hours later)
More than a thousand people, including families and friends of gun and knife crime victims, have marched across London to Hyde Park. Thousands of people have joined with the families and friends of knife and gun crime victims in a protest march across London, converging on Hyde Park.
The first march began from Kennington Park, south London, while another began from Caledonian Road, north London.The first march began from Kennington Park, south London, while another began from Caledonian Road, north London.
Families affected by knife crime, including relatives of youths killed in the city this year, are rallying to call for an end to the violence. Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent a video message of support but it was met with jeers and people shouting "off".
The idea was started on Facebook by two London women. Families hit by knife crime, including those of victims killed this year, are rallying for an end to the violence.
The idea was started on social networking website Facebook by two London women.
The marchers chanted "Stop the knives, save lives" as they walked through London.The marchers chanted "Stop the knives, save lives" as they walked through London.
The country is listening to you Prime Minister Gordon Brown
Onlookers clapped and some motorists beeped their horns in a show of support.Onlookers clapped and some motorists beeped their horns in a show of support.
London Mayor Boris Johnson backed the march adding: "The people's march alone won't stop youth crime but if everyone marching is truly committed to working together alongside the police and youth organisations, then I believe we can put an end to this horrific violence." Addressing the gathering in Hyde Park Mr Brown said stronger penalties sent "a clear message to every young person carrying a knife that there will be no excuses and no exceptions".
There are other ways by which you can sort out a fight rather than use a knife Richard Taylor, father of Damilola He added that people need to make sure "every young person has something to do with their time and isn't just hanging around."
Gary Trowsdale, special projects organiser for the Damilola Taylor Trust which organised the event, said: "It's more about the people who have decided enough is enough, and before it happens to someone in their family, they want to come together and make a stand." "The country is listening to you," he added.
The idea for the People's March on Facebook, originally started by Sharon Singh and Gemma Olway, both 26 and living in south-west London, received backing from several national newspapers. Speaking to the crowd Metropolitan Police Commander Mark Simmons said: "We have arrested over 3,000 people and every person we arrest we are prosecuting and we are putting them in front of the courts.
Damilola Taylor's father Richard said: "There are other ways by which you can sort out a fight rather than use a knife. We have had enough of this." "We want to work with your communities and we will be absolutely relentless in our pursuit of people that use knives."
'Shame on you'
Police Minister Tony McNulty also spoke to the crowd and said: "We shouldn't have to come here to celebrate lives that have been cut short.
"If you know someone who carries a knife, shame on them, if you know and don't do anything about it, shame on you.
"If your local community isn't doing enough, speak to your local councillor and if they don't do enough sack them at the next election or get hold of your MP and if they don't do anything sack them."
Gary Trowsdale, special projects organiser for the Damilola Taylor Trust - which organised the event, said: "It's more about the people who have decided enough is enough, and before it happens to someone in their family, they want to come together and make a stand."
The idea for the peace march was started on Facebook
The idea for the People's March was started on Facebook by Sharon Singh and Gemma Olway, both 26 and living in south-west London. It received the backing of several national newspapers.
Murdered schoolboy Damilola Taylor's father Richard said: "There are other ways by which you can sort out a fight rather than use a knife. We have had enough of this."
Mr Taylor also called for families to take greater responsibility for "guiding" their children.Mr Taylor also called for families to take greater responsibility for "guiding" their children.
Barry Mizen, father of 16-year-old Jimmy, stabbed this May, said: "I am more than glad to be here today if it helps make a difference and in memory of our son.Barry Mizen, father of 16-year-old Jimmy, stabbed this May, said: "I am more than glad to be here today if it helps make a difference and in memory of our son.
The idea for the peace march was started on Facebook
"If we do nothing it will just get worse. I can't see this changing at all if we bury our heads in the sand.""If we do nothing it will just get worse. I can't see this changing at all if we bury our heads in the sand."
Rosie Ogazi, whose 21-year-old brother Antony was murdered in Stockwell in May, said: "Since my brother died I'd felt I had not been doing anything but now I feel like I'm doing something constructive."
Among the marchers were former EastEnders actress Brooke Kinsella, whose 16-year brother Ben was stabbed to death in June, and Caroline Kingonzila, mother of promising footballer Oliver who was killed last Saturday.Among the marchers were former EastEnders actress Brooke Kinsella, whose 16-year brother Ben was stabbed to death in June, and Caroline Kingonzila, mother of promising footballer Oliver who was killed last Saturday.
Rosie Ogazi, whose 21-year-old brother Antony was murdered in Stockwell in May, said: "Since my brother died I'd felt I had not been doing anything but now I feel like I'm doing something constructive. The marchers congregated in Hyde Park for a rally including speakers and music.
"It will be good to see that my brother's death has not been in vain."
Junior Home Office minister Vernon Coaker also reached Hyde Park for the rally.
He said: "Obviously the government has a real responsibility about this but it is all of us, police, parents and schools, everybody standing together, that will tackle this.
"I just think that's a really powerful message."
Speakers and music
Also attending the procession was Ivette Bryon-Graham, whose son Javarie Crighton was stabbed to death in Peckham last year.
She said: "I don't think enough is being done to combat the situation and this is a good opportunity to show that we are not going to give up the fight.
"If we save just one person then that would be a good benefit."
The marchers are congregating in Hyde Park for a rally including speakers and music.
Hundreds of people also participated in another anti-gun and knife crime march - Not Another Drop - from Harlesden to Wembley Stadium, north-west London.Hundreds of people also participated in another anti-gun and knife crime march - Not Another Drop - from Harlesden to Wembley Stadium, north-west London.
About a thousand people also attended an anti-knife march in Inverclyde, Scotland.About a thousand people also attended an anti-knife march in Inverclyde, Scotland.
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