POLICE Minister Tony McNulty has dismissed claims that immigrants were responsible for a tide of violence on a Hull estate where a 15-year-old boy was beaten to death.
Mr McNulty visited the Ings estate yesterday with Labour ward councillor Phil Webster, who told him teenage gangs and arsonists had left many residents fearful for their lives.
Coun Webster – who was mugged at knifepoint while canvassing in the ar
ea during the last General Election – said the influx of refugees into the city in recent years had led to an increase in knife crime.
But Mr McNulty said: "That's racist rubbish, totally ridiculous."
He said he was happy with the way the area was being policed and added: He said: "The police are doing more and more to tackle gangs, youth crime and violent crime. I can't comment on this case because I don't know anything about it, but I've been with the police this morning and they do understand the problem with young people in areas like this.
"They are hopefully improving what they are doing. Thankfully, Hull doesn't have anything like the problems other major cities have in terms of gun and knife crime. I think the police are on top of things and they are getting better all the time."
When the Minister had left, Coun Webster accused him of "avoiding the reality" and also criticised his defence of Humberside Police.
He said: "With some refugees and asylum-seekers it is part of their culture to carry knives and when you've got a Minister who won't admit that you've got problems.
"I know he's got to show solidarity with the Chief Constable, but for him to say they are doing a good job when they (Humberside Police) are bottom of the league tables then he's walking around with blinkers."
Last July, Coun Webster asked Humberside Chief Constable Tim Hollis and Hull commander, Chief Supt Sean White, for more police patrols on the estate when they attended a meeting of Hull Council.
He specifically warned of the need to disperse gangs, but says nothing was done.
Two months later Lee Conman, 15, was attacked by a gang of teenagers wielding a 4ft branch and beaten to death outside a Chinese takeaway shop in Ings Road.
Lee Young, of Amberley, Bransholme, and Leon Clarkson, of St Ives Close, Bransholme, both 17, were convicted of Lee's murder early this month and are awaiting sentence.
