Tonight The Cally was nearly silent for an hour, the traffic stopped and 600 of the residents came onto the street to join Alan’s family. There were spontaneous bouts of applause, singing and prayers. Candles were lit, flowers laid, but mostly we just stood around in grief and bewilderment.

A week ago Alan Cartwright, a 15 year old local boy was cycling up The Cally with friends, when they were attacked and Alan stabbed. He died soon afterwards outside the swimming pool.

His family and the community are trying to come to terms with this senseless violence and truly appalling death. We all came together in solidarity to support the family, especially Michelle his mother.

We all hold our children a little closer tonight.

This terrible waste of young lives has to stop.