Chief Constable Paul Gibson of Lincolnshire Police recently addressed the increase in serious violence in the county, acknowledging the concerns of the public. The rise in violent incidents has led to several murder investigations being launched across Lincolnshire in recent months.
In one case, David Lupton was charged with the murder of Rhys Howell in Skegness. Another investigation was opened after Gillian Connelly was found with serious injuries in Gainsborough and later died in the hospital. Stephanie McLaggan was charged with her murder. Additionally, a fatal stabbing in Bourne resulted in the arrests of Reece Bruns and a 16-year-old boy for the murder of Kyle Marshall.
Two separate murder investigations were initiated in Lincoln following the deaths of John Connelly and Marc Glasscoe. Owen Blades, Jason Frow, Louis Giles, and Jordan Hartley were charged in connection with these cases. Chief Constable Gibson emphasized that most of these incidents involved individuals who were known to each other, reducing the impact on wider communities.
Regarding the recent violent protests in the UK, Chief Constable Gibson commended the people of Lincolnshire for not participating in such activities. He also addressed the perception of reduced police presence on the streets, explaining that modern policing involves extensive work behind closed doors. Despite resource constraints, Chief Constable Gibson assured the public that efforts are being made to manage risks effectively.
Chief Constable Gibson expressed the need for a sustainable funding settlement to address the challenges faced by the police force. He emphasized the importance of lobbying the government for a fair funding formula, supported by evidence and academic research. Collaborating with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Chief Constable Gibson aims to secure the necessary resources to enhance public safety in Lincolnshire.
By addressing the concerns of the public and highlighting the collaborative efforts to improve policing services, Chief Constable Gibson aims to reassure the community and strengthen the response to serious violence in Lincolnshire.