‘Our sons are not statistics’: Families of Islington knife crime victims join JJ McPhillips vigil
Children and family members of Islington knife crime victims held placards and sang at a St Mary's Church knife crime vigil marking one year since JJ McPhillips' death. Picture: Polly Hancock - Credit: Archant
Families of Islington knife crime victims gathered at St Mary’s Church last night to say: “This has to stop.”
It was a vigil to mark one year since Jonathon “JJ” McPhillips died of knife wounds inflicted in Upper Street.
His mum, Michelle, had people hold up placards of dozens of other Islington victims. They included the families of Nashon Esbrand, Lee Jay Hatley, Stefan Appleton, Shaquan Sammy-Plummer and Ryan Gray.
“The fact that other parents got up and spoke was amazing,” Michelle told the Gazette this morning, “because we need to stop this happening. Our sons are not just statistics. We have all lost our children.
“It was really effective, holding up placards of the victims. The son of one of my staff members [Michelle runs the Green Man pub in Essex Road] was there and said: ‘I can’t believe how many people have died of knife crime, mum.’
You may also want to watch:
“Considering the weather, I didn’t think I would get such a good turnout. It was brilliant. It showed Islington is behind me.”
Most Read
- 1 Islington mum speaks out about blaze that wrecked her 17th storey Old Street flat
- 2 70 firefighters tackle Old Street tower block blaze
- 3 Islington Council urges: 'Raise repairs before Partners hands back homes'
- 4 Meet Islington's 2021 civic award winners
- 5 State-of-the-art £4m facility in pipeline for Islington Boxing Club
- 6 Islington election hopeful faces trial on intimidation, cocaine and ABH charges
- 7 Man arrested after police officer hit by car in Dartmouth Park
- 8 Man wanted in connection with Kings Cross sex assault
- 9 Islington's by-election candidates confirmed
- 10 Highbury performer marks World Burlesque Day with free classes