Teen girl held over stabbing death

2:27pm Sunday 28th September 2008

Police are questioning a 16-year-old girl after a teenage boy was stabbed to death at a block of flats.

The 19-year-old was found by officers after they were called out to St Claire Flats, Penzance at 3.30pm on Saturday.

Police are investigating and are questioning a 16-year-old girl at Camborne Police Station.

The flats near the town centre are managed by Penwith Housing Association (PHA).

Penzance Town Centre Councillor Caroline White lives on an estate behind the block and heard police activity on Saturday.

"It's a fairly poor area but it's not the worst area in Penzance," she said.

"The crime rates are not nearly as bad as inner city. It has received neighbourhood renewal funding so there are issues with anti-social behaviour and deprivation. There are the usual issues with drugs and alcohol, petty theft.

"Things like stabbings down here are very, very few and far between."

Mrs White, 65, said the area was mixed with elderly people, families, single people and some rehoused there from sheltered accommodation.

"This is not an area where you are frightened to go out at night, you maybe walk quicker but you go out."