06/10/2023
Two teenage boys have been charged with murder after a boy was fatally stabbed in Luton.
They have also both been charged with attempted murder and violent disorder in connection to the incident in which Ashraf Habimana, 16, sadly lost his life.
This has been an incredibly difficult week for all of our communities across the town, and our thoughts continue to remain with Ashraf's family. Specialist family liaison officers are providing them with support as best we can.
The community response we have seen to this tragic incident over the past few days has been incredibly powerful.
There is a real desire across the town for everyone to do more collectively to tackle knife crime and do everything we can to ensure no other family has to endure such heartbreaking loss.
Last night we held meetings alongside Luton Council for the community to come together and discuss what we can all do to tackle knife crime.
There were around 200 people in attendance, including the town's MPs and the Bedfordshire VERU through to community leaders and projects already working tirelessly across Luton to provide opportunities for young people.
Last night's meetings reflected this drive for change. There was a wealth of positive ideas in the room and a real sense of a community coming together.
We will now take these ideas and other existing work and use them to take positive action.
It is incumbent on all of us that we seize this moment and build on these ideas to drive forward long term change that will help keep young people in Luton safe.
https://orlo.uk/OTQIR