Homeowners and tenants are scared to leave their homes at night as violent muggings continue to blight the north of Islington.

Islington Gazette: Concerned neighbours at last night's public meeting about violent crime in the St George's and Junction wards. Picture: Polly HancockConcerned neighbours at last night's public meeting about violent crime in the St George's and Junction wards. Picture: Polly Hancock (Image: Archant)

A crime summit was called last night in response to a spate of robberies and muggings in Tufnell Park.

People called on police to do more to protect them at the meeting at the Rock Tower in Tufnell Park Road.

As reported in the Gazette last month, there have been a series of violent attacks in neighbouring Archway.

On Tuesday, police said there have been 105 recorded robberies in the St George’s and Junction wards where Tufnell Park lies.

People told the panel the streets around Dalmeny Road are particularly dangerous, with dead ends making it difficult for cops to give chase.

Cat Priddey said: “I did sometimes get the sense we were being encouraged to think we were getting things out of proportion, but I’m still afraid to go out at night.

Islington Gazette: Concerned neighbours at last night's public meeting about violent crime in the St George's and Junction wards. Picture: Polly HancockConcerned neighbours at last night's public meeting about violent crime in the St George's and Junction wards. Picture: Polly Hancock (Image: Archant)

“I’d like to see police patrolling the area a little bit more. I’ve never seen a police officer around my neighbourhood in the seven years I’ve lived here. Not once.”

Kirsty Mckevitt said: “I’m really aware about when I go out at night now. I won’t let it stop me but I will think twice, I’ll get a cab home rather than walk home and I really resent that because this is my local area.”

In response, police said they have made “key arrests”, including the “main ringleader” of a gang said to be targeting the area – but who has not yet been charged.

Insp Steve Murfin said: “The levels are higher than expected, however Islington is still a very safe place to live. We are doing everything we can. We do want to make it a really safe place and we intended to do that.”

Islington North MP and Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn was also on the panel. He told the Gazette afterwards: “There has been a terrifying rise in knife crime and violent theft, although the police have made some arrests on that, which is good.

“This has to go further and it is an issue of money, of resources for both local authorities and the police. Islington has lost a third of its police officers in the past four years and that has to change.”