WORRIED residents packed a public meeting in search of answers in the wake of the murder of teenage actor Rob Knox.

Bexley police and Bexley Council organised the meeting in Sidcup Community Church, Station Road, Sidcup, last Thursday in response to requests from the public.

The meeting began with a minute's silence for Mr Knox.

An audience of more than 250 people had the chance to question police and council officials about plans to deal with knife crime, anti-social behaviour, underage drinking and youth facilities.

Among the audience were staff and the licensee of the Metro Bar, also in Station Road.

Mr Knox was stabbed in an incident outside the bar and five other young men were injured.

One mother, whose son was stabbed and seriously injured while waiting at a bus stop in Bexley Village two years ago, said drinking was not the only cause of the violence.

She said: "They are not drunk when they put that knife in their pockets."

She and several others criticised the courts for lenient sentences for both violence and for licensees who sold drink to underage teenagers.

Borough commander Chief Superintendent Tony Dawson and council representatives defended Bexley's record on trying to clamp down on underage drinking.

Councillor Katie Perrior said Bexley was the toughest licensing authority in the country, but admitted its efforts were sometimes undermined by the courts.

Maureen Holkham, Bexley's assistant director of community services, spoke about the work going on in schools.

Young people are told about the risks they face if they carry a knife, and the work includes a film and drama performance created by young people.

Work is also being done in schools to emphasise the dangers of drinking.

A number of people sprang to the defence of the Metro Bar and its staff.

The bar manager said it had now enlisted the help of the police to disperse young people who bought drink elsewhere and hung around outside the bar.

Several parents recounted how their own children had been victims of unprovoked attacks.

One said: "It is the young people in this borough who are the victims. They do not feel safe."