The attack on Reker Ahmed
The cruel and horrific attack on Reker Ahmed has shocked our entire borough.
Croydon is home to people from all over the world who have, like Reker, sought a new life in the UK. Our borough is one of London’s most diverse areas and it is proud to be so. It has always rejected hatred and those who seek to divide us.
The people who carried out this appalling attack are nothing more than cowards. There is something particularly cowardly about such a large group of people targeting a defenceless 17 year old, and the police are working hard to bring them to justice.
A number of people have been arrested, but anyone with information on this horrific crime should contact them via 101, or through Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
You can donate to the crowdfunding campaign to support Reker here.
Steven Reed is Labour MP for Croydon North and Shadow Minister for Children and Families. In 2018 his private member’s bill on reducing violent mental health restraint became law. In June 2019 he launched Labour’s civil society strategy outlining radical plans to empower citizens and communities.
Steve chairs the Cooperative Councils Innovation Network, co-chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group for London, was Leader of Lambeth Council 2006-12 where he led the council’s children’s services to become best-rated in the country and pioneered the public-health approach to tackling violent youth crime. He worked in publishing for 16 years and was an elected trade union branch secretary.