A PAIR of Enfield politicians are due to meet the Justice Secretary this week to press for knife-wielding criminals to be jailed.

The Enfield Independent launched the Don't Carry Don't Kill campaign in July, backing Enfield North MP Nick de Bois' call for plans for six-month mandatory prison sentences for those caught using a knife in a threatening way to be extended to under-18s.

Legislation due to go before Parliament next month will introduce the new sentence – but will only apply to adults.

Mr de Bois and Enfield Southgate MP David Burrowes will meet Justice Secretary Ken Clarke on Thursday to discuss amending the proposals so teenagers would also face jail if they were caught using a knife aggressively.

The meeting will take place a week after 21-year-old Steven Grisales was stabbed to death in College Close, near Silver Street station, Edmonton.

Police have arrested a 19-year-old man and a 16-year-old girl in connection with the murder and both have been released on bail until next month.

The Enfield Independent launched its campaign days after two rival gangs carrying guns, machetes and hammers faced off in Hertford Road where a 16-year-old boy was stabbed in the hand leaving him with a serious injury.

In April, 15-year-old Edmonton County School pupil Negus McClean was fatally stabbed in the chest in Westminster Road, Edmonton, apparently protecting his younger brother from hooded youths on mountain bikes.

And on August 17, 14-year-old Leroy James died in Ponders End Recreation Ground, having been stabbed once in the chest.

We believe stronger deterrents to community service, fines, and cautions are needed to tackle a knife culture which is blighting our community.