Law enforcement are seeking to quell concerns about violent crime in Richmond after a number of incidents including a fatal stabbing rocked the borough recently.

Several violent crimes, including the murder of Tim Hipperson last week, fuelled concerns in the borough that is not typically considered a dangerous or violent part of London and is known for low crime rates.

In response, the Met Police's south west Borough Command Unit (BCU) issued a statement in an effort to reassure Richmond borough residents that recent incidents of violent crime, which also included a stabbing in Teddington, were not linked.

A spokesperson for the south west BCU wrote Wednesday (May 26):

"Residents in Richmond will be understandably concerned about the recent tragic, fatal stabbing of Tim Hipperson on Monday 17 May at Kings Road, Richmond.

"We understand the concern about this incident, and as well as working on the investigation to ensure those involved in the incident are brought to justice, we have been working with the local community, the council and our partner agencies to ensure the factors which led to the incident are tackled.

"Our local ward officers are out on patrol providing visible reassurance for the local community.

"The incident was related to individuals who were known to each other and, as a result, it is not believed that there is a wider risk to the public.

"This was an isolated incident, and there is no evidence to suggest it is linked to any other recent cases of violence.

"Richmond Upon Thames is a safe place to live, work and study. It continues to have amongst the lowest rates of violent crime in London".

They added that Met Police officers would be patrolling busier areas such as the riverside and open green spaces "in order to reassure the community and take swift action against any anti-social or violent behaviour".

Inspector Rebecca Robinson, Neighbourhoods Inspector for Richmond meanwhile offered the following words: "I understand the concerns many will have about crime in Richmond after this tragic incident, soon after a separate violent incident in Teddington.

"I want to reassure that these incidents were not linked, and were of significantly different circumstances.

"My team will be working across the borough to ensure we tackle the issues which led to this incident, including taking on ASB, violence and the issues of drug usage and drug dealing in Richmond.

"If you have any concerns I would urge you to speak to your local Neighbourhood officers."

As the RTT reported previously, Tim Hipperson died on Thursday (May 20) after he was found stabbed on the Kings Road in Richmond on the afternoon of Monday, May 17.

Four people have been arrested in the murder investigation that was launched after his death, and three have been charged, including a 34-year-old man who was charged with Tim's murder.

To contact the police you can visit our website at, https://www.met.police.uk, or call 101. In an emergency always call 999.