dealing with recent race attacks on residents within Bristol. There is some really good work going on between the Police and Somali residents to increase mutual respect and understanding and this will continue.

We hold regular meetings and discussions with the main Community representatives to discuss key issues, visit and liaise with the mosques, contribute regularly to the Somali radio show to promote messages and information, and we recently arranged a trip for Somali students to attend Police HQ at Portishead to observe our Communications department in action.   

 However, throughout these meetings and discussions, one issue currently stands out above any other. It is clear that there is major concern that Somali youths are arming themselves with knives and guns for self protection.  In recent months the Somali Community has felt under pressure due to the Hillfields attacks, and the murder of Mohamoud HASSAN after the St Paul’s Carnival. The Police have responded with swift and robust action which has dealt with these incidents, resulting in persons being charged and remanded in custody.

Please understand that the Police are doing all they can to address the Communities concern that it is being targeted, BUT please also understand that carrying knives and guns is illegal, and will not be tolerated within the Avon and Somerset Force area. It is an offence to carry a bladed or sharply pointed article in a public place, as it is to carry a firearm or ammunition, whether the intention is to use it or not.

People caught with Knives or guns WILL be arrested and put before the court. The potential sentence for carrying knives ranges from six months to 4 years in prison if convicted, and if found in possession of a firearm and subsequently convicted, there is a potential minimum sentence of 5 years. You can see from this that not only do the Police take this issue very seriously, but so do the courts!

Please do not find yourself in this situation. To respond to a perceived threat with potential violence is NOT the way forward and will cause long lasting damage to those involved and the wider community. Violence begets violence, and no one wants to be either a victim of violence, or face a long spell in prison.

Please take a moment to consider the recent murder of Ibrahim Sheikh Hassan MOHAMMED in October. He was fatally stabbed during a dispute between Somali youths in Easton. As a result of intensive Police enquires a Somali male has been charged with murder and is currently in custody awaiting trial.

This has had a devastating effect on everyone involved. The grief felt by the victim’s family is unimaginable, they have lost a son, brother, cousin and friend and their lives will never be the same again. What about the effect on the offender and his family? The person charged will face a lifetime in prison if convicted, and his family will have to face this, along with the stigma of having a close relative involved in such a senseless crime. Then consider the effect in the wider community who are fed up with crime and disorder on their doorstep, and want nothing more than a peaceful and ordered society.

We all need to work together to deal with these issues, and I believe that ultimately everyone within Bristol has the same goal, which is to feel safe and be safe.   Please don’t be afraid to come forward if you have any information that you believe will help to achieve this. We are still appealing for witnesses and information for both the murders of Mohamoud HASSAN and Ibrahim MOHAMMED in order to ensure that justice is done for both these young men .If you can help please come forward. You WILL be supported and dealt with sensitively and in confidence.

Please call on me on 01179 529717, or the non-emergency number 0845 4567000 if you have information or if you wish to discuss any other Policing matters.

Sergeant Lee Moore

Community Safety Department

Avon and Somerset Constabulary

<<Violence begets Voilece, and no one wants to be either a victim of violence.doc>>

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Kaysar Maxamed
CMHWBR
Central Assessment & Intervention Team
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BS2 9RU
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