Increase in gun crime and youth violence concerns locals

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By Jade Lennon and Jay Bingham

Islington residents and workers are concerned about the increase in gun crime and youth violence. This concern follows the shooting of a 16-year-old boy in Sheffield, who is now in critical condition.

The shocking incident occurred yesterday at 5:17pm on London Road, which is now closed for police investigation.

The Sheffield shooting is unfortunately not the only recent gun attack. Earlier this month, a 19-year-old boy in Huyton, Merseyside, was shot in the back of the leg during a ‘targeted attack’. 

According to the UK government, there were 5,252 offences involving firearms in England and Wales in 2024. This is a 20% decrease from 2023. Despite this, there is fear and uneasiness among residents, shop owners, and students.

How can gun violence be prevented?

We spoke to two Psychology PhD candidates, who wished to be referred to only as B and D. They stated that policing around the UK needs to be stricter – there must be an increase in police presence, deterring potential wrongdoers from committing violent crimes.

“There needs to be scans, policing on the street,” D said, arguing that those suspected of carrying weapons should be subjected to body searches. “Allow the police to actually search.”

B agreed, adding, “There needs to be undercover police. If you know you can get searched any time, you will know not to have a gun.”

What contributes to youth violence?

Several factors are involved in the rise in violence among young people, such as a poor quality of youth mental health services and a widespread stigma surrounding negative emotions. 

“Not many kids have someone to speak with,” B commented. “If the parents are not… emotionally present for the kids, they will let their anger out in unhealthy ways.”

B called for easier access to talk therapies for children in order to manage their emotions. Criticising the negative attitudes towards therapy, she said, “People think that when you go to psychologists and psychiatrists, it makes you crazy or that there’s something wrong with you… [children] don’t have a future plan because they don’t receive help, so they join gangs… to deal with their anger issues.”