NEIGHBOURS have voiced concerns about their area's safety and called for more to be done to tackle knife crime after a fatal stabbing.

The death of 18-year-old Owen Dunn has sent shockwaves through the Haydon End community.

As police continue investigating the suspected murder, people living nearby have spoken to the Adver about the tragic attack.

Mark Jefferies said: "I've lived here since the estate was new, 22 years, and I've never seen anything like this happen before.

"Sunday was manic, there were so many police everywhere until late at night.

"An 18-year-old lad's life has been cut short, three weeks before Christmas. It's shocking and awful, and you don't expect it on your doorstep.

"This has got to stop. These young lads have to stop carrying knives, though I'm not sure what the answer is.

"Maybe get the youth centres back open, there were so many when I was a kid, and get young people educated about the dangers of knife crime.

Christmas lights, wreaths and other decorations cover most of the houses on and around Torun Way, but the mood was far from festive as people struggled to come to terms with what had happened.

Leah saw police parked up outside her property as they searched nearby.

She said: "There were police and air ambulance helicopters flying around, and flashing lights outside, it was quite scary.

"It's terrible that a family has lost someone, and right before Christmas, too. I do feel for them and send them my love and prayers, it's a tragedy.

"I worry about how safe we are, though the police are doing everything they can. Hopefully it's a one-off.

"Children play outside around here and my daughter usually walks home from school - I'm not sure if she should for now."

One resident, Alex, added: "It's a quiet neighbourhood with friendly people. I'm new to the area but have not noticed any antisocial behaviour here.

"You always read about things like this happening elsewhere so it's a surprise to have it be so close to home.

"I drove along Torun Way to go shopping on Sunday and when I came back, it was all blocked off by police. I have little kids so I'm very concerned."

Another neighbour, who did not give his name, said: "I'm not feeling that safe at the moment - I take my children to the play park, which is now cordoned off."

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