Knife crime campaigner 'heartbroken' for teen's family

The father of a teenage boy who was stabbed to death has urged young people not to carry knives, following the death of a 15-year-old in a Surrey park.

Martin Cosser, whose son Charlie was murdered at a party in July 2023 said carrying a knife was "not the answer" and urged children to tell a trusted adult if they knew someone was carrying a blade.

Cosser, who set up the charity Charlie's Promise to tackle knife crime, said he was "absolutely heartbroken" for the family of Luis Gabriel Guembes, who died in Stoke Park in Guildford on 19 January.

Two boys, aged 15 and 16, have been charged with murder and with conspiracy to rob and possession of a bladed article.

Cosser said: "We know and understand what Luis' family are going through, they will be numb and won't know where to look.

"I don't want young people going out there terrified and frightened.

"It [carrying a knife] endangers you and is not the answer."

Charlie Cosser, 15, died days after being stabbed at a party in West Sussex, and his killer is currently serving a life sentence.

Martin Cosser says that, since he set up the charity in his son's name, he has spoken to 70,000 children across the country to educate them about the dangers of carrying knives.

A Surrey Police spokesperson said: "Luis' family have requested privacy to come to terms with their loss.

"We ask that you respect their wishes, and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time."

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