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Teen stabbed to death outside bar

10:31am Saturday 24th May 2008

comment Comments (103)   Have your say »


A TEENAGER was stabbed to death and three men were seriously injured in a fight outside a bar in Sidcup early this morning.

Police were called just after midnight to reports of a large disturbance at the Metro Bar in Station Road, Sidcup.

An 18-year-old man who had been stabbed was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, where he was pronounced dead shortly before 1am today (May 24).

Police say they know the identity of the victim and that a post-mortem will be held at Princess Royal Hospital, Farnborough tomorrow.

A talented young actor

Friends at the scene have named him as Rob Knox, from Sidcup - a pupil of Beths Grammar School in Hartford Road, Bexley.

Mr Knox was a keen actor and appeared in the News Shopper in 2005 after he and 16-year-old brother Jamie, appeared in the Hollywood film King Arthur.

The brothers were very close and witnesses at the scene said Mr Knox was trying to protect Jamie and another 16-year-old friend when he was stabbed four times.

Friends gathered outside the bar today to lay flowers and pay tribute to their friend.

One girl sobbed: "He was the best - he was so funny.

"Everyone knew him.

"He was a bit of a party animal.

"He had "People Love To Party" on his t-shirt last night."

Among the messages left with flowers, was one that read: "Forever in our thoughts - an amazing person.

"The Chis and Sid girls will see you again one day.

"Never forgotten."

Another read: "We can't get over the shock of losing you.

"You were a wonderful, talented young man who was such pleasure to be around.

"You will be greatly missed by all of us."

Fight over a mobile phone

A 21-year-old man who was stabbed in the neck during the incident is in hospital with injuries described as serious, but not life threatening.He has been identified by friends as Dean Saunders from Sidcup.

Chris Martin, 21, from Sidcup said the fight which led to Mr Knox's murder began with an attack on Mr Saunders.

He said:"It kicked off last week outside the Metro.

"It was over a mobile phone.

"Some bloke said to Dean; "You nicked my phone".

"Dean said he hadn't and this guy smacked him in the face and gave him a black eye."

Mr Martin said the man returned to the Metro Bar last night, with another man and armed with two knives.

Earlier in the evening he threatened to cut Mr Saunders' throat.

And later when a fight broke out on the street Mr Saunders was stabbed in the neck.

It is thought that Mr Knox tried to protect his brother Jamie and another 16-year-old Andrew Dormar, when the attacker threatened them.

One witness described Mr Knox hitting the attacker over the head with a bottle, before being stabbed four times.

Mr Dormar was also taken to hospital after he suffered a stab wound to the chest, but had recovered enough to visit the Metro Bar this afternoon.

A fourth man, Nick Jones, sustained serious injuries to his hand.

Not gang related

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Damian Allain said: "At this early stage we retain an open mind as to any motive, and enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

"We believe the stabbings took place in the street, outside the venue.

"We do not believe the incident is gang-related."

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information should call the incident room on 020 8721 4805 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

An arrest

A 21-year-old man who suffered facial injuries in the incident has been arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to a South London police station, where he remains in custody.

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worried, chislehurst says...
10:41am Sat 24 May 08

Not a week seems to go by without news that another young life has been tragically wasted on our streets.
For parents of teenagers these are extremely worrying times....

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Your Lord Erastus Theobald Piggott The All Knowing Guru, Bexley Village says...
10:41am Sat 24 May 08

Yet again, another stabbing ending in death.

It is now evident that it is not safe to leave your house at any time of day.

We live in a lawless society akin to the wild west but unfortunately find ourselves without the sheriffs to shoot the outlaws down.

I wonder what the authorities are going to say about this latest murder?

Isn't it time the police were given back their powers and the death penalty was reintroduced for murdering scum?

I would wager that it is safer to walk the streets of New York than Sidcup these days.

Your Lord, Erastus Theobald Piggott

Report this post »

Elaine, Lee says...
10:47am Sat 24 May 08

The lad that died was a really lovely boy he was very good friends with my daughter from primary school he was always polite and had a lovely smile she was there when it happened and is deeply upset this is such a tragic loss and my heart goes out to his younger brother and mum and dad R.I.P. Hope the other two lads get better soon. The goverment has to do something NOW not later and wait for yet another death.

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Worried selling, says...
10:55am Sat 24 May 08

I totally agree with the lord! The streets are really not safe we need more police and parents really need to get more involved with there kids and find out what they are up to kids caught with knifes should be put in the army

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Belshazzar's Feast, Sidcup says...
11:02am Sat 24 May 08

Crikey. Used to go to the Metro all the time for a bit of Pat's karaoke. It's gone downhill in recent years - too many wannabe gangsters insufflating coke in the bogs. But this is just tragic. Another shocking example of knife crime on our streets. Something needs to happen, and it needs to happen NOW .

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Me, Sidcup says...
11:08am Sat 24 May 08

My condolences to the family of the lad who was murdered ... secondly what the heck was a 16 year old doing out at midnight??
The police need to be onhand more, just glad im indoors by 7 of a night.
The government need to get their fingers out and stop this.
I agree with Worried .. send them to the Army they think they tough enough to be carrying knives, they can do some active service.

Report this post »

john, greenwich says...
11:09am Sat 24 May 08

what a terrible country this has become. Life has become so cheap. We only used to hear about all these killings in foreign countries. Now it's here all the time

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local, erith says...
11:16am Sat 24 May 08

shut the place down , and anywhere there is trouble , shut it down the owners may take some responsibility for the actions of their customers

Report this post »

Teresa Hull, sidcup says...
11:25am Sat 24 May 08

Why were the injured taken to Queen Elizabeth hospital when Queen Mary's - which still has an A&E dept (officially) is only 2 minutes up the road?

Report this post »

alex, london says...
11:27am Sat 24 May 08

This is really getting out of hand , i agree that the death penalty should come back .
My thoughts and prayers are with all the families involved.

Report this post »

mark, Dartford says...
11:28am Sat 24 May 08

Although trouble will always exist, these places should be shut down.What is more worrying is that many 'trouble' pub/clubs seem to carry on regardless.
Poor management.What ever happened to the licenses being taken away?

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Local, Sidcup says...
11:28am Sat 24 May 08

Its getting more local and nothings being done about it. Now it's somebody i was friends with, what next? His 18th last year was one not to forget, his dad and nan made a speech saying how wonderful and pleased they were. Something needs to be done.. now .

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hj, Sidcup says...
11:29am Sat 24 May 08

NO dont shut it down, its a nice place and the bar staff are lovely! Its stupid people who dont know when to stop that should be punished!!!

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anita, dartford says...
11:30am Sat 24 May 08

The teenager stabbed to death last night was 19 not 16 and he was an ordinary quiet lad out with his friends. I hope the scum bag rots in jail for this. Sympathies to his family and friends and I hope all the other young men stabbed by this piece of **** make a speedy recovery. RIP Young Man.

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lizzielooloo, says...
11:36am Sat 24 May 08

My thoughts are with the families.

Just such a terrible waste and I am in agreement with most of the comments above.

Report this post »

l, says...
11:38am Sat 24 May 08

Teresa Hull wrote:
Why were the injured taken to Queen Elizabeth hospital when Queen Mary's - which still has an A&E dept (officially) is only 2 minutes up the road?
Probably either because of the type of injury or because QM was already over busy. Whichever, he will have gone to the most appropriate place. This is so shocking yet another young boy killed. It is becoming the norm and I am scared for my 19 yr old son and 14 yr old daughter but you can't wrap them in cotton wool....

Report this post »

Sharon, Sidcup says...
11:42am Sat 24 May 08

anita wrote:
The teenager stabbed to death last night was 19 not 16 and he was an ordinary quiet lad out with his friends. I hope the scum bag rots in jail for this. Sympathies to his family and friends and I hope all the other young men stabbed by this piece of **** make a speedy recovery. RIP Young Man.
ThiNk the point is that there was a 16 yr old injured too - Some 16 yr olds work and act responsibily so why he was at 12 is not the point. Why was the 21 yr old carrying a knife.??

Time to change the law if you are caught with a knife whether you have used it or not then you shoud be given same punishment as people with guns - THEY BOTH CAN KILL

Report this post »

Me, Sidcup says...
11:42am Sat 24 May 08

"A third youth, aged 16" this is the 16 year old I was speaking about. Either way people shouldnt carry knives as the intent is to use them whether defending themselves or to cause trouble

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Me, Sidcup says...
11:43am Sat 24 May 08

Exactly my point

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Jay, says...
11:51am Sat 24 May 08

its a terrible loss hes was a great person always funny and always had a smile on his face its not gonna be the same with out ya m8 jus wish i knew you better than i did. and it was queen marys he was taken to.

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Don Logan, says...
11:54am Sat 24 May 08

You get some real knobs in the Metro Bar. I wouldn't p1ss on the place if it was on fire.

My condolences to the victims family and friends.


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Shocked, says...
12:08pm Sat 24 May 08

Isn't it ironic that another murder has taken place outside a pub belonging to the same chain as Infernos in Welling? I think he company should be held to account for the scumbags they allow to drink on their premises.

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matthew, sidcup says...
12:15pm Sat 24 May 08

GUTTED! i have been good mates with him for years, just gutted.

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South East, South East says...
12:16pm Sat 24 May 08

Why was this young man not taken to the Queen Mary's Hospital in Sidcup Kent. Long journeys to other A & E Hospital departments cost lives. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is too far from Sidcup. RIP in Young man hope justice is seen to be done for you. My thoughts are with your family and friends.

This knife cime culture has to be STOPPED NOW. Also Problem pubs need to be closed down by the Police and Local Authorities immediately.

Report this post »

local, Sidcup says...
12:25pm Sat 24 May 08

Tragic. Could have been any one of my friends. Does anyone know what school he went to? My thoughts are with the family.

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Susan-Bexley, bexley says...
12:27pm Sat 24 May 08

Cant believe how close to home all this is getting, stupid kids who feel the need to go out with knifes when out enjoying themselves what a sorry state our country is in! My thoughts are with the family of the lost young life when will this people learn!!! So sad they feel the need to kill each other to sort their problems out!

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Debbie, London says...
12:34pm Sat 24 May 08

I just don't get it. These kids who stab other kids are getting caught immediately. Some of the kids getting stabbed aren't bad, just in the wroing place at the wrong time. There have always been disagreements and fights, but may be some parents taking responsibility for their children and giving them a proper, structured, respectful upbringing would save others that don't deserve to die!

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Dan, Sidcup says...
12:36pm Sat 24 May 08

This is just sickening. I totally agree with bringing back the death penalty. Rid the streets of these scum. There needs to be tougher sentences for people carrying weapons.
My girlfriend was there last night and said that the fight started last week, and they people came back this week with more people, with the INTENTION of stabbing them.

Rest in peace Rob, my thoughts are with your family.

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Real, Local says...
12:37pm Sat 24 May 08

South East wrote:
Why was this young man not taken to the Queen Mary's Hospital in Sidcup Kent. Long journeys to other A & E Hospital departments cost lives. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is too far from Sidcup. RIP in Young man hope justice is seen to be done for you. My thoughts are with your family and friends.

This knife cime culture has to be STOPPED NOW. Also Problem pubs need to be closed down by the Police and Local Authorities immediately.
Queen Marys in Sidcup isn't classed as Kent, it's in a London borough so I assume the victims were taken to the nearest London based Hospital which is Queen Elizabeth. At 5 miles away it's not that far, but in a situation like this I would have expected them to be taken to Queen Marys.

RIP to the murdered victim, and hopefully the other 2 guys will recover shortly.

Don't expect things like this to happen in Sidcup, not a place known statistically for high violent crime.

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D, Welling says...
12:37pm Sat 24 May 08

God bless this young lad, what a waste of a beautiful life.

I don't know if this murder was drug related but after reading the comment above regarding drugs dealings in the toilet of the Metro Bar, it has made me wonder what the police are doing about drugs. We were out in Bexley last month and in both the George and the Millers dealers were almost forcing drugs onto men and boys in the toilets, and these dealers are very intimidating, it then could be one of our children who are almost forced into buying them, or one of our children that end up being hurt. The police should be in pubs stamping this out!!!

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c shell, bexley says...
12:39pm Sat 24 May 08

If other countries can keep strict control and serve appropiate punishment then why cant we?
Nothing seems to detere these animals. Prison sentances seem to be the rewards for these thugs it gets them 'respect'. With all the overcrowding in our jails time for doing wrong is cut shorter and shorter so therefore punishment is not experienced to the full. What will it take for our country to protect us, I feel as though I am a prisoner in my own home, I would love to go out for the evening but to hang about at bus stops sends me into a panic attack! I am so very sad for the family and friends who have lost their loved one and for any innocent bystanders effected.

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Locked and Loaded, says...
12:41pm Sat 24 May 08

Another family having to deal with the loss of a young one through a mindless act on violence.
We need a zero tolerance policy on the streets now. The police need backing up by us all. Give them the tools for the job.
Rest in peace young man.

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Elaine, Lee says...
12:43pm Sat 24 May 08

In respect of the hospital he was not taken to Queen Elizabeth he was taken to Queen Marys my daughter was there as well waiting for news with all of his friends

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Real, Local says...
12:45pm Sat 24 May 08

I assume both Newsshopper AND BBC got it wrong then.

Both state Queen Elizabeth hospital, and BBC says the hospital is in Woolwich.

Strange.

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Susan-Bexley, bexley says...
12:46pm Sat 24 May 08

Prision is a blessing for most of the kids doing these things cause they dont have great home lifes as it is, or have no way to provide for themselves, whereas in prision they get everything handed on a plate! Ive recently heard about an 18yrold who mugged someone and then threatened them after not to go to the police and luckly the guy wasnt fased by that and still went to the police and the mugger was caught and sentenced to 15months but his in prision has his own cell and a play station in his room! Now how is that teaching him anything! Were paying for him to sit on his arse and play video games all day! Great Country this!!

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Mark, Dartford says...
12:46pm Sat 24 May 08

There has also been another two incidents in Gravesend, one Friday night and another early this morning.

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Shelley, Swanley says...
12:47pm Sat 24 May 08

It is too little too late - If anyone whatever colour are caught carrying a knife then the sentence should be 3 years in prison for possession - they aint carrying it to cut their food are they
It will deter all scum that carry knives cos they cant fight with their hands. (why they need to fight is beyond me)

RIP Rob - My thoughts are with his family and friends xx

Report this post »

Real, Local says...
12:48pm Sat 24 May 08

Mark wrote:
There has also been another two incidents in Gravesend, one Friday night and another early this morning.
There's incidents every Friday night all over London and surrounding areas that nobody ever hears about.

I guess the press like to pick and choose the most interesting or serious stories.

Report this post »

L, Kent says...
12:50pm Sat 24 May 08

local wrote:
Tragic. Could have been any one of my friends. Does anyone know what school he went to? My thoughts are with the family.
he went kemnal technology college, but moved to beths grammar.

RIP.

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Real, Local says...
12:51pm Sat 24 May 08

Shelley wrote:
It is too little too late - If anyone whatever colour are caught carrying a knife then the sentence should be 3 years in prison for possession - they aint carrying it to cut their food are they
It will deter all scum that carry knives cos they cant fight with their hands. (why they need to fight is beyond me)

RIP Rob - My thoughts are with his family and friends xx
And I think it's still LEGAL to carry a knife 3 inches or under and not have anything done if I recall correctly.

A 3" knife is still capable of killing somebody too.

Teens/young adults seem to exploit the rules, and don't carry either way.

This mentality won't change in this generation of people.

Report this post »

Dan, Sidcup says...
1:04pm Sat 24 May 08

It is ridiculous they got taken to Woolwhich hospital. It would have taken them 2 minutes to get to Queen Maries.
We need to fight for that hospitals A&E department.

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Jack, Swanley says...
1:23pm Sat 24 May 08

He WAS taken to QM not QE
What does it matter he is dead. and sadly he wont be the last till we have ZERO TOLERANCE on knife crime

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anon, anon says...
2:12pm Sat 24 May 08

I know the man arrested on suspicion of this murder and he is a light skinned mixed race man.He was brougt up in a white family and his friends are mainly white - this is nothing to do with racism.Does it matter what hospitol the victim was taken too ?a young man has had his life taken and we should all be thinking of his family & friends at this time and not what colour the alledged culprit is.
Rest in peace Rob my thought & prayers are with you & your family XXX

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R, David, Sidcup says...
3:00pm Sat 24 May 08

I was there last night and that metro was TOO packed! it was waiting to go off there! the bouncers have no clue! No clue what so ever! my condolences to family and friends.

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patriche, bexley says...
3:07pm Sat 24 May 08

Tragic, my thoughts are with the family

The Lord is wrong again of course the murder rate in New York is about 3 times higher than London. New York had just under 500 last year compared to London's 150. (rough figures)

I'm not sure what powers the Lord would give back to the police. I thought they had been given a vast arrange of additional powers. Of course they would have to be there to exercise them and it would appear that the arrived sufficiently quick enough to make the arrest.

I do agree however with tougher sentences. But those complaining about drugs in pubs etc should consider whether they have told anyone in authority.

In relation to hospitals it is common practice for supect to go to one hospital and offender to go to a different one. Both from a forensic point of view and from relations and friends mixing whilst emotionally charged. This perhaps explains the misreporting of who went where.

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Caroline, Bromley says...
3:14pm Sat 24 May 08

Teresa Hull wrote:
Why were the injured taken to Queen Elizabeth hospital when Queen Mary\'s - which still has an A&E dept (officially) is only 2 minutes up the road?
I would imagine it was because they were probably dealing with another major incident at that time.

Report this post »

Castro, Lewisham says...
3:42pm Sat 24 May 08

I've just been reading these messages and am saddened by how many illiterate and racist absolute idiots are around. The word wog is not acceptable in these times but i've not seen anyone object? Shame on you all. May the young man rest in peace.

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Locked and Loaded, says...
3:57pm Sat 24 May 08

Castro you are right. Most reasonable people know though the NS will delete the racist crap posted. It does not take long for them to crawl out of the shadows.

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june, says...
4:57pm Sat 24 May 08

well said anon dont matter what colour anyone was we all bleed the same and all die the same. get knives and guns off the streets, what is the matter with you hands why use a wepon

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South East, South East says...
5:24pm Sat 24 May 08

I think this poor lad was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Woolwich. Sadly half of the people on here claiming to know this poor talented young man do know him at all. Lets hope justice is done and the person responisble is dealt with harshly by the Courts. So this poor young man can rest in peace and his family and friends can mourn him and grieve for him in peace. God bless you.

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pinkerbell, Sydenham says...
5:41pm Sat 24 May 08

How very sad my faults are with this young mans family.

This has to stop, there is not a day go by when you don't here that some young life has been ken by scum who carry knife and guns.
I think people should be serched before going in pubs and if they leave theshould be serched if look they like they may cause trouble.

RIP young man x

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South East, South East says...
6:00pm Sat 24 May 08

I agree Pinkerbell I am so angry that another murder has taken place on the streets of Greater London to an innocent young man with a great future in front of him. People entering all clubs and pubs should be searched for knifes and guns and any weapon that can be used to hurt anyone. Bouncers and Managers need to trained to deal with anyone found carrying a weapon and police need to be called to incidents immediately. Bouncers, Managers and Bar Staff need to take responsibility for this too. We must work together to stop this happpening again. RIP young man. My prayers are with your family and friends. We must save the A & E Department at Queen Marys Hospital. God Bless You.

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John Hemming-Clark, Chislehurst says...
6:01pm Sat 24 May 08

My condolences to the victim's family.

Commenting on unconfirmed press reports that the victim was taken (Queen Mary's won't comment), in the first instance, to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, John Hemming-Clark of Independents to Save Queen Mary's Hospital commented,

"If this is the case then it is an obscenity that the victim was not taken straight up the road to Queen Mary's and once the facts are confirmed then I shall be attempting to ascertain why. If he was in fact taken straight to Queen Mary's then one has to ask what will happen when Queen Mary's A & E closes? It has been proven that the further one has to be taken in an ambulance in an emergency the greater the risk of mortality. The people of Sidcup, Bexley, Chislehurst and around have every right to be angry."

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sarah, erith says...
6:04pm Sat 24 May 08

Im hoping to move to sidcup near where this youth got stabbed to death.

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Sidcup local, says...
6:38pm Sat 24 May 08

John Hemming-Clark wrote:
My condolences to the victim\'s family. Commenting on unconfirmed press reports that the victim was taken (Queen Mary\'s won\'t comment), in the first instance, to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, John Hemming-Clark of Independents to Save Queen Mary\'s Hospital commented, \"If this is the case then it is an obscenity that the victim was not taken straight up the road to Queen Mary\'s and once the facts are confirmed then I shall be attempting to ascertain why. If he was in fact taken straight to Queen Mary\'s then one has to ask what will happen when Queen Mary\'s A & E closes? It has been proven that the further one has to be taken in an ambulance in an emergency the greater the risk of mortality. The people of Sidcup, Bexley, Chislehurst and around have every right to be angry.\"
There's no evidence that the hospital or the length of the journey to it played any part in this tragic event. Whatever the merit of the hospital campaign, using this lad's murder to further before the facts are known is squalid and unworthy.

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chris, Sidcup says...
6:46pm Sat 24 May 08

Went to school with rob was a great lad

so sad to hear

i heard through a friend that works as a paramedic he was being taken to queen marys but didnt make it.

tragic to hear

Report this post »

Chris, Bexley says...
6:50pm Sat 24 May 08

My heart goes out to the families and friends of this poor young man. So many of our young people are grieving these days for their friends who have gone too soon. For all of us parents of teenagers, these are dark days. Who out there will be strong enough to lead us out of the violence that is a daily threat?

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mag t, sidcup says...
6:52pm Sat 24 May 08

i think its terrible i think the murderer should be killed himself and all this hustle bustle over a mobile i feel really upset espically as i know nick jones i bet hes having a terrible time as hes lost a friend. I feel so angrey and upset that i think the police should do more GRRRRRRR why would people 21yrs carry a knife?!?!?!?!

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mag t, says...
6:55pm Sat 24 May 08

poor nick and everyone else involver rest in peace rob ****

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jerzy gawor, eltham says...
7:03pm Sat 24 May 08

Oh God - not again! Jimmy a couple of weeks ago and now young Rob. As a father of several teenagers my heart goes out to the family. Why does it have to be this way with some of our youngsters taking to killing others over nothing? What drives this culture of violence that thinks nothing of taking life? As a community and I mean as a Country we should be tackling this now with all out effort. The police MUST be given stop and search powers that cut across this ridiculous political correctness 'machine' that is crippling common-sense in the UK. Get the knives and guns off the streets. Severe, and I mean really severe punishments for carrying these items - which are not essential fashion accessories!!! Boris Johnson - you need to act hard and you need to act now! Parents - check where your kids are, what they are doing and who they are involved with every time your kids step out the door. If each and every family and Dads especially, took charge of their children we could stop this from happening again overnight. Take responsibility over your kids!

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A Mum, Wilmington, kent, says...
7:11pm Sat 24 May 08

I totally agree with you Jerzy Gawor, as a mother of a teenager life is one big worry all the time, you have to allow your children freedom but at what expense?

What a waste of a beautiful and talented young life, my heart goes out to the family and friends of Robert. God bless you and guide you through the difficult times ahead of you all. Rest in peace dear Robert xxx

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Anon, Sidcup says...
7:56pm Sat 24 May 08

L wrote:
local wrote: Tragic. Could have been any one of my friends. Does anyone know what school he went to? My thoughts are with the family.
he went kemnal technology college, but moved to beths grammar. RIP.
he went hurstmere and moved to beths actually because he got bullied at hurstmere

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mag t, sidcup says...
8:18pm Sat 24 May 08

mag t wrote:
poor nick and everyone else involver rest in peace rob ****
i didnt swear by the way it was kisses i dont know why its come up like that???

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Jen, kent says...
8:19pm Sat 24 May 08

OMG I CANT BELIEVE IT WHEN I FOUND OUT IT WAS YOU ROB I WAS AND STILL AM IN SHOCK.. WE USED TO ALL GO OUT AND HAVE A LAUGH YOU WAS SUCH A LOVELY BOY AND NEVER HAD A BAD WORD TO SAY ABOUT ANYONE... MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY... YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTON ALWAYS IN MY THOUGHTS ROB R.I.P ****

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simon Cronin, Blackfen Kent says...
8:21pm Sat 24 May 08

I am still in total shock, Rob who i knew from back in the day when we all went to the glades.
To when i worked with him at M and S in bluewater.

Rob ur def going to be missed as u 4 one made life at work so much more fun. U was a good work college and a good friend 2 me and many.

U will be missed by everyone and it is such a shame u have left this world at a early age.

My deepest symapthys go out to Robs family especially Liam his brother and his mum.

RIP Knoxy :(

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Chloe, Orpington says...
8:27pm Sat 24 May 08

I cant believe it.. I knew Rob quiet well from months back and he was so loving and caring could chat to him about anything.. My thoughts are with the family at this horrific time..You Will Be sorely missed and forever loved R.i.p. Rob ****

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Anon, Dartford says...
8:53pm Sat 24 May 08

Yes, it has been confirmed that we are living in an extremely unsafe environment in which killers are let freely roam around in. I heard that the boy was let out on bail the night it happened! No1 is safe! Wot the hell is this police force trying to get at? I'm sorry; but what is the betting he will blame it on racism, say they were ganging up on him and he will be let off? I am not a racist person, but this country and everything about it has gone to s**t. Look at the people around us now, and look what culture they are bringing to this country. PULL YOUR EFFING FINGERS OUT AND SORT IT! I new of Rob and my greatest condolences go out 2 his family and friends especially those that were there and injured that night x

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local, erith says...
8:57pm Sat 24 May 08

hj wrote:
NO dont shut it down, its a nice place and the bar staff are lovely! Its stupid people who dont know when to stop that should be punished!!!
while i see your point , these places make money from getting people steaming drunk , they should be made to have more resposibility for what goes on after this drug and it is a drug and one of the most addictive about secong only to tabaco and heroin and lets face it it's only legal because the govenment make so much money from it
they should be made to be more acountable for the young liuves that are being destroyed ...
R.I.P Rob

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sara, Bromley says...
10:28pm Sat 24 May 08

How disgusting! I can't believe what is taking place in this country. When are we going to get a government with some backbone, a government who puts the decent law abiding citizens who live and work hard for a living in front of all this human rights crap. Human rights is all in favour of the criminals. Thats all we hear, what about their human rights.
Well WHAT ABOUT OUR HUMAN RIGHTS?????
Everyone gives the police a hard time for not doing their job, We have probably the best police force in the world, something to be proud of these days. Why will this (or any) government not let them do the job they are very highly trained for?????
Give the police their power back to stop and search, let them deal with the scum who think its big to carry knives and guns.
If from what I have read, the scum who done this is 21? well, supposed to be an adult, why was he carrying a knife? knew what he was doing and done it.
Now there is yet another family having to go through the trauma of burying a son/brother. Why?
Are they to go through the turmoil and grief of having this scum go to court and hear what a bad childhood he had? or maybe he will do what most of them do now and plead the mental health issue which will see him back on the street in no time to carry on as usual, easier than having to find him a prison place or a bed in hotel feltham.
Have we no decent judges in this country any more?
The current lot dont seem to be in touch with reality any more, they dont have a clue.
What a waste of a decent young life,
My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

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L, Sidcup says...
10:54pm Sat 24 May 08

RIP rob we wont feget you, its hard to belive that you have been killed, we all will remember you and we never will feget u x

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Mat, Beths says...
11:19pm Sat 24 May 08

Was a good friend of Rob great mate, remeber pssing bout with him in film studies AS, I still remeber when his parents came home from a house party were shocked at how many people were stayin. RIP ROB KNOX

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elliottt N, sidcup says...
11:55pm Sat 24 May 08

rob was one of my close close mates used to go clubbing with him at the weekend and had so many laughs he was ment to come amadeous nightclub in rochester with me last night but decdied not come last minute, i cant belive it im gutted this would have not even happend if he came the other boys that got stabbed one was in my form and the two other come out aswell they did not deserve this what so ever i love you rob im so proud of you i so badly want to see you ill be seeing you soon love elliott x

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Anon, says...
12:01am Sun 25 May 08

My thoughts are with you, your family and friends at this tragic time. I lost my soul mate just over a year ago now to a similar incident in Chislehurst and unforunately the scum that murdered him walked out of court scot free. That's the justice system for you!! God bless you Rob xx

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carole, southeast says...
12:44am Sun 25 May 08

my thoughts go out 2 robs family and freinds,such a tragic lose,going back to the hospital points apparently he was taken to oueen marys then transfered to oueen elizebeth,doesnt really matter what hsp he went to as it shouldnt off happened in the first place,i have a 19 yr ol daughter who goes to the metro bar quiet alotbut u dont expect anything like this to happen.were are are children safe these days NOWHERE thats what i say,wake up goverment and stop these lovely young people getting killed.RIP ROB ANOTHER ANGEL FOR HEAVEN ****

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j, bexleyheath says...
1:14am Sun 25 May 08

as far as i am concerned the murdering scum need to be taught a lesson and that lesson is capital punishment. We have seen that prison sentences do not work as a deterent and i think that now is the time for the citizens of england to stand together and call for this sentene to be re-emplaced as our streets are becoming no go areas and we are the ones that are suffering. i find it heartbreaking that i worry about my future childrens safety and question whether or not i can bring a child into our world and the problem lies not just with society, but with our law system aswell,
. Murderers have too many human rights but victims have none and i think it now might be the time when people try band make a stand to our government and demand that some action be taken. There needs to be hefty prison sentences for anyone carrying a knife, and anyone who commits a murder needs to be named and shamed regardless of their age. we need to start sticking up for ourselves because too many off our children are dieing for no reason!

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anon, says...
4:19am Sun 25 May 08

another life taken...over something so petty as a mobile phone..(as that is whats been written)another family grieving over a MURDERED child. sod a prison sentence, lethal injection..cheaper then a prison cell.

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BrianW, Rochester says...
6:13am Sun 25 May 08

D wrote:
God bless this young lad, what a waste of a beautiful life. I don\'t know if this murder was drug related but after reading the comment above regarding drugs dealings in the toilet of the Metro Bar, it has made me wonder what the police are doing about drugs. We were out in Bexley last month and in both the George and the Millers dealers were almost forcing drugs onto men and boys in the toilets, and these dealers are very intimidating, it then could be one of our children who are almost forced into buying them, or one of our children that end up being hurt. The police should be in pubs stamping this out!!!
Did you notiify the Police after you'd been to the George / Miller's about what you'd witnessed? You cannot run the Police down if you don't report incidents like that.

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patriche, bexley says...
7:31am Sun 25 May 08

lethal injection is not in fact cheaper than a prison cell for life.

Unfortunately because of appeal processes put in place to try andd ensaure an innocent person is not executed the cost of capital p8unishment in the US is far greater than the cost of keeping somebody in prison for life. I do not see introducing Capital Punishment in the UK being any cheaper.

Forget detereent, forget punishment and forget trying to reform somebody. Prison prevents a person from inflicting more harm on the wider community for the period the person is inside. The longer they are inside the more protected we are.

Too often when people are convicted at court for these sorts of crimes we learn of a prolonged criminal background which was allowed to continue despite court appearances. Lock them up early and lock them up long.


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Angry, Belvedere says...
8:06am Sun 25 May 08

local wrote:
shut the place down , and anywhere there is trouble , shut it down the owners may take some responsibility for the actions of their customers
In the report, police state they believe the attack to have taken place outsie the Metro Bar, therefore, how can the licencee's be held accountable? Anyhow, if the police were to close down anywhere there is trouble, we'd all be homeless/jobless. NOWHERE IS SAFE ANY MORE. Look at the statistics: Murder in Sidcup, Lee, Barnehurst, Erith, Thamesmead, Plumstead, Woolwich - all within the past couple of years. As soon as i can, i'm ditching this country! Condolences to those who knew this bright promising young man. Let's hope Mr Boris "I will make London a better place to live" Johnson and his counterparts do something about this!

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s, Mottingham says...
9:28am Sun 25 May 08

Maybe ALL top government officials including the p.m. should attend each and every funeral of these young kids to see the heartbreak that is going on daily. Maybe the whole country should have a protest outside downing street to let them know we need our laws to change and get rid of the human rights bill! Its also easy to blame drink but were they drunk when they left home with the knives in their pockets? R>I>P Rob, and my deepest sympathy goes to family and friends xx

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A member of Beths Staff, Bexley says...
10:24am Sun 25 May 08

Such a sad, sad event. Such a waste of talent. Such a waste of life. Rob was a fantastic student, alwyas with a smile. My condolences to all his family, especially to Jamie.
Beths will help in any way.

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Mark, Dartford says...
10:43am Sun 25 May 08

My thoughts are with all the family.
Another question.
If we cannot police and maintain standards now, how the hell will be able to stage The Olympic games?
It will be a shambles.

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Plod, Goddington North says...
10:57am Sun 25 May 08

Another needless victim of the policies adopted by the liberal facists who through thier immoral, PC wishy washy criminal protection system have given rise to the feral lout yet persecute the law abiding- Our Streets are getting safer then Commissioner Blair??? Discuss....

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Sara, Bromley says...
11:35am Sun 25 May 08

To S at Mottingham:
The top officials are too busy trying to hang on to their jobs and worrying about who is going to pay for their new kitchens and sky subscriptions to be really bothered by something that is far removed from themselves. As for Gordon Brown, all he wanted was the top job, well now he has it he hasn't got a clue, he should do the decent thing and call an election,not a vote for the labour party for a new leader.
I was always under the impression that the public voted for a prime minister. These people just live on a different planet, too busy keeping up life styles at the tax payers expence
We need someone in there that will put the decent hard working people first, who will let the police do their jobs and clear out some of these old snot nosed judges and get this scum off our streets.
The thing that killed Rob (from what I've read) knew exactly what he was doing, he went out with the knife knowing EXACTLY what he was going to do, there were plenty of witnesses, so there is no doubt, based on that alone he should go to prison for the rest of his natural and do hard time. This country is an absolute joke. There is no fear of the law because there is no punishment to deter the scum, and thats exactly what they are.

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chris, bexley says...
12:08pm Sun 25 May 08

What was a 16 year old doing drinking in a pub in the first place .

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pc, says...
12:19pm Sun 25 May 08

iam a mum to 3 young adults ,I am having sleep less nights every night due to a fact of a boy from mottingham who has just been released from prison is threating one of my sons , he sends messages through friends that he wants a one to one with my son , I have been told by these friends that this boy carrys knifes and weapons , I have pleaded with my sons not to approach him , he even rang my son from prison to tell him that he wants to meet when he came home . Prison is nothing to these young boys there are not kept him adults prison they are sent to young offenders were I have been told that it just like being in a youth club with out a beer ?? so this is why they dont care , I dread them going out but they work and I cant stop them , what do I do wait for the police to knock on my door and tell me to go with them to id my son , do I go to the parents and make things worse . I know my son can look after him self but its not like we are talking about a fist on fist playground fight these days . My love to Robs familys xx

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Teacher, Sidcup says...
2:47pm Sun 25 May 08

Such a tragic loss of a talented young man.

As a teacher in a secondary school in South London, I have seen the devastating effects of more and more young people carying knives. I went to two funerals last year to support pupils I teach who had lost young friends, and every week it feels like we hear of yet another victim.

I feel so sad for the way our young people have to live and very worried for the future of this generation.

My thoughts and prayers are with Rob's family and friends at this sad time.



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Anon, says...
10:05pm Sun 25 May 08

My sincere and deepest condolences to the family, it is heartbreaking that such a young life is lost because of something some pointless.
What is happening in this society? Life is becoming meaningless and cheap!!

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Dom, Kidbrooke says...
11:30pm Sun 25 May 08

I am 23 and don't feel safe in this city at all. I worry about my 15 year old sister constantly as some of her friends live in Sidcup and she goes to Chis and Sid school. Something has to be done to stop it all. I wanted to vote in the election for anyone who would stop the tide of killings we are hearing about. Sadly none of them said anything about it. As for Sir Ian Blair (I think it was) saying crime has fallen in London. Is he having a laugh, it's got much worse. RIP Rob. Another young life lost.

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anita, dartford says...
12:21pm Mon 26 May 08

Where is our local MP? Why hasn't he offered any condolances to this family in the their hour of need, just a comforting couple of words to say he will do all in his power to stop all this. Is he on holiday or just doesn't care.To the parents of this young please don't give up on the youngsters for every one of these scum bags there are plenty of youngsters that are polite and respectful, just look at his friends and how much he was loved.
RIP

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Natalie, swanley says...
1:51pm Mon 26 May 08

Rob was such a genuine friendly lad he had everything going for him and its awful to think that someone felt that they could be so selfish and take his life. My heart goes out to his mum, brother and dad. RIP Rob will miss you sleep tite ****

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sharon shuter, lewisham says...
2:21pm Mon 26 May 08

Not again wot is happening we shouldnt have 2 live like this... Id like 2 say 2 the family my prayers r with u god bless xx

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Lou, Bickley says...
11:57pm Mon 26 May 08

what is this world coming to???
this young man has lost his life one night and now 6 people have been brutely stabbed at the bird in hand pub tonight. its an utter disgrace.

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KAZ, orpington says...
4:14pm Tue 27 May 08

Bastar** let em rot in hell. Wonder what Boris will do about this now then, clearing the streets of knife crime was no 1 on his list wasnt it? Show us what we voted for please Boris. I hope the scum that did this get screwed in jail ! thoughts & wishes to all involved.

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Cherry Morel, bromley says...
4:32pm Tue 27 May 08

I went and laid flowers the Saturday before last where the young boy from Lee was killed, the sight of him dancing the day before at his birthday with everything to live for broke my heart. I like everyone else has become desensitised by the violence we see portrayed in the media but this death has effected me like Jamie Bulgers did. Now this young boy in Sidcup. I moved out of central London to give my two boys a better chance. My youngest is now 17 and I am terrified because I thought he was safe but these two boys Rob & Jimmy came from loving families and were just doing what young boys do at this age, go out and socialise with their friends or buying a lottery ticket on a Saturday morning. I have two friends who are police sergeants and they have told me that magistrates are told how many people each day they can send to prison, usually its about two a day. This is outrageous. We have to in the short term give mandatory five year prison sentences to anyone carrying a knife using the stop and search law, anyone who wounds someone with a knife gets ten years and anyone who kills someone gets life and it means life. In the long term we have to bring the community together so that yound people feel they have a voice and they can live out their dreams. Instead of spending money on tthese people when it is too late and entered the criminal system, spend the money on early years through to secondary, giving all youngsters, mentors who listen to their dreams and work with teachers in tailoring a curriculum that will teach them all they need to know based on what they are interested in.
Something has to be done now, friends are leaving this country in their droves, I love this country but even I am thinking of leaving.

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Lee, DA14 says...
5:38pm Tue 27 May 08

Shocked wrote:
Isn't it ironic that another murder has taken place outside a pub belonging to the same chain as Infernos in Welling? I think he company should be held to account for the scumbags they allow to drink on their premises.
YES shocked comes to mind that a yet another young life has been cut short by these terrible gang cultured yobs and NO to ironic as yet the fight happened outside the Metro Bar, not in it and the yob that has been arrested was not drinking in the Metro Bar. My condolences go out to the Knox family and his friends

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Jan, Wilmington says...
2:17pm Thu 29 May 08

Yes, I agree, with Lee of Sidcup the tragedy occurred outside the Metro Bar premises not inside.The staff on the night were exemplary - locking the Bar doors for the safety of those inside and ringing the Police as soon as they were alerted to the situation - sadly the Police did not respond until the event had actually taken place outside the Bar.Surely this highlights the need for more Policing in the area.

I must say that having a son in his early 20's I would be more than happy for him to drink in the Metro Bar, one of the few bars in the area that has zero tolerance to drugs and a clientele mainly of Rose Bruford 'super students' who only want to enjoy themselves. My condolences to all concerned.

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Conehead, DA7 says...
4:04pm Mon 2 Jun 08

Firstly I must say this is a tragic event and my condolences go to the families concerned. I hope the maximum punishment (captial punishment to return?) is served to the murderer.

The fact that the incident happened outside of the pub and indeed on Bexley Council owned property (Station car park) you cannot blame the owners of the Metro Bar as it is not their property. Could have happened at the local Beefeater. Too many teenagers hanging around in gangs, needs to be stopped.

I have had a drink in the Metro Bar on my way home from work and I find the staff, atmosphere and clientelle ok, not a threatening place ata all. One time I saw a group of lads about 15 years old hanging around in the station car park outside the pub drinking cans of lager and alcopops ( bought from the supermarket I would have thought) and I mentioned it to the bar staff, who called the police and told me the police refused to come down as there was no trouble!!

Metro Bar should not be closed down, but the police should remove all teenagers hanging around outside pubs in Sidcup (even though you are allowed in a pub at 16 as long as you are not drinking.
quote

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george, sidcup says...
4:13pm Thu 5 Jun 08

Belshazzar's Feast wrote:
Crikey. Used to go to the Metro all the time for a bit of Pat's karaoke. It's gone downhill in recent years - too many wannabe gangsters insufflating coke in the bogs. But this is just tragic. Another shocking example of knife crime on our streets. Something needs to happen, and it needs to happen NOW .
Pat's kareoke is still happening,it was great last night,all clean due to the clubscan thats been introduced.
quote

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george, sidcup says...
4:16pm Thu 5 Jun 08

local wrote:
shut the place down , and anywhere there is trouble , shut it down the owners may take some responsibility for the actions of their customers
do you think closing every place down will stop nutters murdering people ? do you think the bakers in lee should be shut down as well then?what a stupid comment.

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george, sidcup says...
4:21pm Thu 5 Jun 08

mark wrote:
Although trouble will always exist, these places should be shut down.What is more worrying is that many 'trouble' pub/clubs seem to carry on regardless. Poor management.What ever happened to the licenses being taken away?
maybe youve been reading to many papers?perhaps the management did all they could,i know as fact the police were called half an hour before the incident by the management does that sound like poor management? dont make the pub the scapegoat,the guy was barred the week before and refused entry on that fateful night,before you sound off get your facts right !

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george, sidcup says...
4:26pm Thu 5 Jun 08

Don Logan wrote:
You get some real knobs in the Metro Bar. I wouldn't p1ss on the place if it was on fire. My condolences to the victims family and friends.
don logan? pschopath gangster from sexy beast!set fire to the place you are as bad as the knifeman,what about the family who live upstairs ?

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george, sidcup says...
4:31pm Thu 5 Jun 08

South East wrote:
I agree Pinkerbell I am so angry that another murder has taken place on the streets of Greater London to an innocent young man with a great future in front of him. People entering all clubs and pubs should be searched for knifes and guns and any weapon that can be used to hurt anyone. Bouncers and Managers need to trained to deal with anyone found carrying a weapon and police need to be called to incidents immediately. Bouncers, Managers and Bar Staff need to take responsibility for this too. We must work together to stop this happpening again. RIP young man. My prayers are with your family and friends. We must save the A & E Department at Queen Marys Hospital. God Bless You.
BISHOP DIDN"T GET IN THE PUB!!!! HE WAS BARRED!!!!

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Robert Knox (left) and brother Jamie (right) Floral tributes have been left outside the Metro Bar Nick Jones - also injured in the fight - leaves flowers at the scene

Robert Knox (left) and brother Jamie (right)

Flowers left at the scene

Nick Jones - also injured in the fight - leaves flowers at the scene



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