THE Mayor of Enfield has called for young people to “drop that knife” at an emotional prayer vigil in Edmonton.

The Friday evening event was held following the killing of 21-year-old Steven Grisales, and the serious wounding of a 15-year-old boy – both in College Close.

Councillor Christiana During, Mayor of Enfield, made a tearful appeal for young people to stop carrying knives.

She said: “I'm very sorry our Enfield community has to meet in this way, to acknowledge that in Enfield we are not looking after ourselves, especially our young people.

“Too many are gone, too many. We need to work together and work harder.”

Residents of College Close and Edmonton were joined by MPs Nick de Bois, Andy Love, and David Burrowes, councillors, and police officers for the vigil close to the spot where Mr Grisales was attacked.

Cllr During added: “I ask when the young people are going to drop the knife, we can't take it any more.”

The vigil was organised by the Nelson Williams Foundation, which was set up after the murder of 15-year-old Negus McClean in April this year.

Hazel Nelson Williams, the founder, told the crowd: “The reason we have come together is to give a sense of peace back to this community.

“When I was knocking on doors down here, I felt this was a strong community that was in shock – twice in the space of seven days horrible things had happened in their community.

“We are here to say there's still hope for the community, hope for neighbours who play with neighbours, friends with friends and hope for people of Enfield.”

The vigil, which was led by Reverend Ray Adams, from the United Reform Church in Ponders End, ended with the laying of wreath in College Close.