Sadiq Khan dismissed warnings of 'machete gangs running around London' week ... trends now
Sadiq Khan dismissed a rival candidate's fears of rising crime in London during a television mayoral debate just a week before the terrifying sword attack took place in Hainault.
During a debate on LBC on April 23 Mr Khan was challenged by Conservative candidate Susan Hall who said there were 'gangs running around with machetes' in London.
She added: 'That's the stories I'm hearing from the people that are running the night economy. That is not good.'
Mr Khan replied: 'I say in a respectful way, I think the Tory candidate should stop watching The Wire. We're not living in Baltimore, USA, in the noughties.
'I love this city,' he added. 'It could be better. We're trying really hard to make sure our city is fairer, greener and safer.'
During a debate on LBC Sadiq Khan (pictured) was challenged by Conservative candidate Susan Hall who said there were 'gangs running around with machetes' in London
Susan Hall (pictured) is the Conservative candidate for London mayor
Conservative candidate Susan Hall (pictured) said there were 'gangs running around with machetes' in London
A week after the Labour candidate accused his rival of overindulging in the American crime drama TV series The Wire, a 14-year-old boy 'died on the spot' after being struck by a swordman in Hainault.
The terrifying 22-minute ordeal began after a van crashed into the side of a house in a quiet neighbourhood in East London at around 6:54am on April 30.
A 36-year-old man wearing a yellow hooded jumper then prowled the pavements swinging a samurai-style sword, nearly 2ft in length.
Graphic footage shared online shows the suspect pulling the child into the road after fatally injuring him as horrified neighbours watched on.
The schoolboy victim, understood to be the son of two teachers, stood no chance, witnesses said.
The suspect was tasered and arrested on suspicion of murder, although he is yet to be questioned as he remains in hospital being treated for injuries sustained in the van crash.
At a press conference Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell confirmed that four other people, including two police officers, were wounded in the horrifying attack.
