Brixton Knife Murder: Man Charged As Local MP Issues Warning

A hotel worker has appeared in court charged with the murder of a father-of-two – stabbed to death in South London – resulting in the local MP calling for more details on how the government is tackling knife and gun crime.

Soloman Sarfo, 34, (pictured) suffered fatal stab wounds in Tilson Gardens, Brixton Hill on February 27 and hotel worker Jamie Rickerby, 25, of Balham High Road has been charged with his murder.

Police were called at 11:35pm to reports of a man stabbed near the junction with Forster Road and Mr. Sarfo was pronounced dead at the scene.

Streatham MP Chukka Umunna made the information request in the House of Commons after raising concerns about cuts to voluntary organisations working to prevent gun and knife crime.

The MP said: “Knife and gun crime continue to blight inner-city communities such as mine.

"The trial is ongoing of those accused of murdering fifteen year-old Zac Olumegbon in July last year, and now in my constituency, Solomon Sarfo was stabbed and murdered.

“Will the Home Secretary come to the House to give us an update on what the Government are doing to prevent that needless loss of life in our communities?

"I ask because I am particularly concerned that many of the third-sector organisations working to prevent such crimes are seeing their funding withdrawn.”

Sir George Young, Leader of the House, replied: “I very much regret the loss of life to which the hon. Gentleman refers, and I understand the deep feeling in his constituency.

“The coalition agreement makes it clear that we want to take a robust approach to those who carry knives, with appropriate penalties to deal with knife crime.”

Afterwards, Mr Umunna said: “Sadly, as the tragic murder of Solomon Sarfo demonstrates, knife crime continues to be a significant problem on our streets.

“I hope that the government adopts a strong, properly-funded strategy on knife crime.

"I believe it is only right that communities are updated on the action which central government is taking and that their MPs have the opportunity to debate this issue fully on their behalves.”