Westborough Murder Enquiry – Councillors Comment

Published on: 24 Sep, 2012
Updated on: 26 Sep, 2012

Roundhill Way, Westborough, Guildford, cordoned off by the police on Sunday morning, September 23.

Cllr Christian Gilliam (Lab, Westborough) spoke out today on the apparent murder of one of his constituents in Roundhill Way on Saturday evening (September 22).

He said: “This is obviously devastating and worrying news. First and foremost, I would like to send my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the young man who has died. I can hardly imagine how hard this time must be for those concerned. I would also urge for calm amongst residents in Westborough. As tragic and extreme as this incident is, it is, thankfully, a rarity in Guildford.

“The circumstances of this incident have yet to be established but, along with the recent series of drug raids in the area, it has raised some very serious questions regarding the safety of our streets and the current policing and social strategies.

“A lot of residents are anxious and concerned over what appears to be a growing drug and anti-social problem, and they are demanding action rather than vague expressions of concern or talk of a ‘Big Society’. More thoughtful and thorough thinking is clearly needed with to understand the social causes of such crimes, which devastate lives. We owe it to the memory of this man, we owe it to his family and we owe it to our community.”

A police spokesperson said that formal identification of the 19-year-old man that died has yet to be made. A further statement by the police, with details of any charges made, against the 18-year-old man arrested is anticipated, perhaps later today.

this afternoon to Lib Dem Councillors added their comments.

Cllr Julia McShane (Lib Dem, Westborough) said: “I am shocked and saddened by what has happened and my thoughts are with the family and friends of the young man who died. Until we know the facts surrounding this tragedy I do not feel that it is appropriate to comment further.”

SCC Cllr Fiona White (Lib Dem, West Guildford) said: “This is a tragic situation for everyone involved and particularly the family and friends of the young man who lost his life. I don’t want to jump to any conclusions about what may have led to his death and I am reluctant to say any more until the circumstances are clearer. My thoughts and prayers go out to the young man’s family.”

As previously reported Cllr Matt Furnis (Con, Christchurch) a GBC Conservative Group spokesman said: “We are always gravely concerned about incidents of this nature which is why we continue to support and work with the police to lower serious crime in the Guildford borough.”

Surrey Police is asking anyone with information is asked call Surrey Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference p12279248.