Nottingham's Youth Violence Crisis: Teens Attacked With Machetes

Nottingham is intensifying efforts to combat a surge in youth violence, following several disturbing knife-related incidents. Recent weeks saw a machete attack in the town centre involving teenagers as young as 14, and another similar incident in November during a public event. These events have heightened fears among residents, who describe feeling unsafe walking the streets.

In response, Nottingham City Council announced an investment plan of nearly £2 million aimed at deterring "desperate" young people from criminal activity. Police have also increased visibility, installing a knife arch in the town centre to scan pedestrians for weapons. Data indicates Nottingham has a higher rate of children in custody than any other major UK city.

Past measures, such as increased police presence and 201 arrests in December following the Winter Wonderland incident, have led to charges including drug dealing and carrying bladed articles. However, locals express ongoing concern, noting that gang activity and a sense of fear persist, particularly in the city centre.

Authorities are also exploring physical deterrents like fencing off problem areas, a tactic that has reportedly reduced anti-social behaviour in other parts of the city by 34%. This comes as Nottinghamshire Police report a record-breaking year for their knife crime team, seizing 224 weapons from the streets across the county.