An event to raise awareness of the effects of knife crime is taking place at Barking Town Hall.

Community Against Knife Crime was created by Beatrice Mushiya, whose son, 17-year-old Duran Kajima, was stabbed to death in Dagenham in November 2016.

She’s organised the free event to discuss the impact of young people carrying knives, and how the community can tackle the problem.

She said: “I want this event to raise awareness of knife crime and the dangers that young people are putting themselves in, so that parents and carers know what to look out for and understand the extent of the issue.”

There’ll be a minute’s silence to remember the victims of knife crime, along with speeches from Beatrice and Stephen Addison from Box Up Crime.

Participants will be asked to sign a pledge book, which will go round schools, colleges and youth groups in the borough.

The session will last three hours and there’ll be a question and answer panel with young people from the community.

Cabinet member for enforcement, councillor Margaret Mullane, said: “The effects and impact of knife crime is huge, and it is important that people understand the true facts. That’s why we feel it is important to have this kind of honest and open discussion.

“Tackling the problem isn’t something we are able to do alone and that is why we need to work together.

“If we can prevent just one young person becoming another victim of knife crime and losing their life, then it will have been worth it.”

It’ll take place on October 17 from 5.30pm. To register, visit http://bit.ly/cakc-barking.