HUNDREDS of residents have marched through the town centre to call for action against knife crime after a series of incidents.
Cameron Hamilton, 18, was killed last week after being stabbed in Bournemouth town centre.
On Saturday, August 12, his family, friends, and scores of strangers marched in his honour to spark change.
In a statement, Cameron’s family said: “We, as a family, are absolutely devastated at the tragic, wasteful loss of our beautiful Cam.
“We are here today to show our support of the ‘Bournemouth March Against Knife Crime’ and would like to thank the organisers and all involved.
“It is so touching to see how many people have turned out for the march and shows there needs to be change.
“We are thankful for all the love and kind words that has been shown towards Cam and the family, not just from those who knew him but complete strangers too.
“We all love and miss you Cam.”
Members of the public gathered in The Triangle, before marching down to Cameron's tribute site in the town centre, where hundreds of people laid flowers and paid their respects.
The crowd then took to Bournemouth Lower Gardens before heading back to the meeting site, where parents and young people spoke about their fear of the town centre.
Nicole Pester, 17, attended the march with her mum, Lucy, 38, and said she ‘just does not get' why people carry knives.
"I don't understand, why do people go out with knives?
“I never come to the town alone now, I will always be with either my mum or a large group of friends.”
Mum Lucy added: “The area has gotten worse, how many times does this need to happen.”
Sadie O’Saullivagn, 34, expressed similar concerns for her 16 year old son, Harvey Brickholl, saying she now focuses on teaching her children about awareness of crime.
“After I saw the news the first thing I did was check up on my children,” said Sadie.
Harvey added that he no longer comes to Bournemouth town centre as he does not feel safe.
Jodie Bennett, 31, spoke of how she would love to bring her children to see the Bournemouth fireworks but vows not to bring them to the centre.
Neil Clark, 47, believes that perpetrators of knife crime ‘know nothing is going to be done’ if they commit offences.
Sarah Hiscock, 58, added that she thinks more youth clubs should be introduced in Bournemouth, to give young people ‘something to do’.
Lee Adams, organiser of the march and a friend of the Hamilton family, said that the turnout was ‘unbelievable’.
Our message is clear, this cannot continue. pic.twitter.com/eKwfABqJal
— Bournemouth Echo (@Bournemouthecho) August 12, 2023
He said in a speech to the crowd: “Lets stand together and make a change, make Bournemouth a safe place again.”
A Go Fund Me page set up to support the march has surpassed its target and has raised almost £1,500.
Money raised will pay for young people to attend boxing classes as part of Gloves Up Knives Down, a charity supporting communities against knife crime.
The march is set to take place again on Saturday, August 19.
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