A city centre where a man was murdered in a bank has left some locals too scared to visit. Gurvinder Johal was stabbed inside the Lloyds branch in St Peter’s Street, Derby, on May 6. He died at the scene, according to Derbyshire Police.
Killer, Haybe Cabdiraxmaan Nur, pleaded guilty to murder at Derby Crown Court on Thursday (August 21) and is due to be sentenced on October 29. News of the murder shocked locals in the city in the East Midlands.
READ MORE: Photos show 10 iconic British high street stores that no longer exist
READ MORE: Colourful ‘hippy' town’s high street is lined with independent shops
It comes after three masked thugs targeted Ramsdens Pawnbrokers in the same street in July. Derbyshire Police said nobody was injured, but jewellery was taken. Two men, aged 22 and 23, were arrested on suspicion of robbery days later.
A mum of three, 34, said crime made her fearful to enter the city centre, but when she does she makes sure her children stick close to her.
She told the Daily Mail the city has got worse over the years and is "very scary". The mum, who didn't want to be named, said: "It is sickening and absolutely terrifying crimes like this can happen in a packed area with people out shopping and going about their business."
Derby Council's Conservative group leader, Steve Hassall, has previously attacked the local authority, claiming "Derby is lawless under Labour".
He was reported by the BBC as saying in the meeting last month: "We've got people afraid of going to St Peter's Street. We have authorities in Derby doing nothing.
"I have never, ever witnessed such fear and anger from the public as we're currently facing. We have criminals happy and comfortable to commit that crime in the city...what needs to happen is robust enforcement."
Nadine Peatfield, the council's Labour leader, rejected the criticism, but acknowledged the area has seen a number of serious incidents in recent weeks, including "several tragic murders" which she said were "unprecedented" for the area.
She is reported to have told a council meeting last month that action was being taken by police, local authorities, community groups and health services.
Ms Peatfield warned a pledge to get 35 more police officers in the county would never be enough and she would write to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to secure more.