Man taken to London hospital in serious condition following Harbour Street stabbing

Police in Harbour Street in the early hours after the attack

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was stabbed in Ramsgate during the early hours of this morning (May 12).

A disturbance was reported to have taken place in Harbour Street at around 3am where the victim, in his 20s, suffered wounds to his neck and shoulder, consistent with a stabbing.

The man has been taken to Kings College Hospital in London where his injuries are described as serious and enquiries are being carried out in the area.

Harbour Street was taped off by police until around 10am today. Forensics were also at the scene. The street is now open.

Photo Mark Stanford

Kent Police officers are reviewing CCTV and would like to hear from anyone who saw what happened or has information that could assist with their investigation. Please call the East Kent Police appeal line on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/89866/19.

Alternatively, you can call the independent charity, Crimestoppers in Kent, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

A police raid is currently taking place at a property in Argyle Drive connected to this morning’s incident.

Trouble in Harbour Street

Traders, police and county councillor Karen Constantine held a meeting at the beginning of this year following the latest flare up of vandalism and fighting in the street.

Meetings held in 2017 to discuss similar issues resulted in action including 48 hour dispersal orders and patrols targeting ‘hotspots.’

Trader Jim Brady, from Heaven and Hell gifts in the street, said pubs need to take more responsibility for customers.

He said: ” I’m sick of all the trouble in the street, young kids are getting hurt instead of just going out and having a good night.

“Police are stretched to the limit because of cuts so you cannot even blame them as they have no funds to protect the towns anymore. It’s about time pubs and clubs took responsibility for the state their patrons get in to and about time they were made to pay for the police to patrol while their open.”

 

Ward councillors Raushan Ara and Peter Campbell and Labour Party chair Del Goddard have pledged to hold a meeting and are asking for a multi-agency action plan.

In a statement they said: “The seriousness of the situation demonstrates that little has changed. There needs to be more police coverage at crucial times to stop things happening  from Thursday to Saturday night.

“There needs to be an action plan for the town centre, especially Harbour Street as the gate of the town, and this plan needs to be supported by police, businesses and the various agencies including Thanet District Council.

Cllr Constantine is also holding a further meeting for town businesses on Wednesday, May 22, 6pm – 7.30pm. Venue to be confirmed.

She has spoken with the Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott about the concerns locals have and the dire impact on Ramsgate town businesses of the night time economy. The Police and Crime Commissioner has said he will ensure a senior police representative will attend to listen and to respond.

She said: “We must take whatever steps are necessary to support our local businesses, our local community and to ensure are streets are safe and to safeguard Ramsgate’s reputation. The nighttime economy needs to be dealt with. A balance must be struck between licensed premises and the needs of the wider community.”

Cllr Constantine can be contacted at [email protected] for more of the meeting.

4 Comments

    • Exactly Ramsgate Resident. Enough is enough of this 24 hour economy that is not policed by the establishments taking the money.
      The authorities have been warned many times by the outcome of this free-for-all that some normal people turn to unpleasant violent thugs after a skin full of alcohol. There is no excuse for it and it happens all over the country where alcohol is supplied on demand by the punters taking their fill.
      We either have security officers patrolling the streets in the areas of these bars or we close them down at a respectable hour. Stop pussy-footing around with it and take a stand against violence fueled by drink and drugs. The trouble is they are not listening to the residents and other businesses having to live with this on their doorsteps

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