Residents’ fears over a “gang culture” in High Wycombe, following a shotgun attack in December, will be discussed by police officers at a public meeting next week.

Last month, a former mayor of High Wycombe said residents in Disraeli were ‘not reassured’ after detectives stressed there is no threat to the community following two serious attacks shocked the town over the Christmas period.

Cllr Khalil Ahmed’s comments came after a man was violently mugged for his Apple Watch on Hithercroft Road in Downley on Christmas Day and just two days later a man was shot with a shotgun on the same road.

After holding discussions with Wycombe superintendent, Ed McLean, it was agreed that neighbourhood officers would discuss the concerns of residents at a public meeting.

Thames Valley Police’s community and diversity officer for Wycombe and co-chairman of the Gangs Multi-Agency Partnership, Paul Bowen, said: “The Local Police Commander Ed Mclean and I, met this week with Cllr Khalil Ahmed, to discuss his concerns, as a result of that meeting the Commander has arranged for a senior officer to attend a neighbourhood meeting to address any concerns that the community may have.

“We are aware that recent isolated incidents may have been perceived as gang related, however this is not the case.

“A number of people have been arrested in connection with these offences and are currently on bail.

“Over the past few years we have worked closely with our communities and partners on a successful gang’s multi-agency partnership to identify, engage and divert young people (from 10 to 14 years of age) from engaging in such criminality.”

Confirmation of the talks came after the Home Office announced they were launching a programme to help tackle gang and youth violence in Wycombe.

Bucks Free Press:

Cllr Khalil Ahmed.

Cllr Ahmed said: “I am delighted that the Home Office has responded to the problems of gang crime in Wycombe and are to give the police and Council extra support to understand the nature of gang -related crime.

“A few weeks ago, I called on the police to respond to the concerns of residents in Disraeli because of a number of serious incidents over Christmas in Disraeli.

“I asked the police whether there was a gang culture in Disraeli - and more widely in Wycombe.

“I am very pleased that superintendent McLean was able to promise me that a senior officer will attend the Disraeli Neighbourhood Action Group on Monday evening and the officer will be able to address residents' concerns direct.”