Ukrainian Family in Exeter Traumatized After Knife Threat Dismissed as Non-Emergency by Police
Exeter, Devon – A Ukrainian family seeking refuge from the war in their homeland has been left deeply shaken after a terrifying encounter in their Exeter home. An intruder reportedly entered their residence, seized a kitchen knife, and threatened the mother and her children before leaving the premises. When the family dialled 999, they were allegedly informed that the situation was "not an emergency" since the perpetrator had already departed with the knife in his hand.
"We fled Ukraine to find safety here," said Iryna*, voice trembling. "To have someone invade our home and threaten us, only to be told it's not urgent, is beyond comprehension."
This incident underscores growing concerns about the UK's escalating knife crime crisis. Between July 2023 and June 2024, England recorded nearly 50,000 serious knife offences, with London reporting the highest rate at 17.89 offences per 10,000 people. The West Midlands has overtaken London, recording 180 knife offences per 100,000 people in 2023.
Critics argue that austerity measures and funding cuts have strained police resources, leading to inadequate responses to such incidents. The West Midlands Police, for instance, has lost nearly 2,300 officers since 2010 due to budget reductions.
Local community leaders have expressed outrage over the police handling the Exeter incident. "It's unacceptable that a family, especially one fleeing conflict, feels unsafe and unsupported," said a community leader.
*Name changed to protect identity.