A new CCTV contract will help Bromley fight against the knife crime epidemic spreading across the capital, the council leader has said.

Councillors signed off last night on a new set-up for keeping the borough’s CCTV running and monitored amid rising crime across London.

Bromley has “bucked the trend” when it comes to knife crime, according to the Met, but has still seen three murders in the last 18 months.

The new contract, which will have cameras manned for another five years and an optional four-year extension, replaces a set-up agreed in 2012.

Council leader Colin Smith said: “This will enhance our service, this will assist us in our management of the very difficult affair of law and order.

“At present there is something of an epidemic when it comes to knife crime, not just across London but in part affecting our borough.

“I think this is a strong statement in our commitment to safety across the borough.”

Bromley Council operates and monitors 191 CCTV cameras from its control room at St Blaise.

These include fixed cameras located in car parks and town centres, and 20 re-locatable cameras that help crack down on fly-tipping and gather evidence.

Last year, councillors played down calls from the opposition to install more cameras – at a cost of about £17k – in Betts Park, Penge, following concerns sparked by the murder of Michael Jonas in 2017.

Kate Lymer, the executive member for public protection, said CCTV was not something police had suggested for the park.