LONDON // A tourism chief in the British capital has moved to reassure foreign visitors that there is no need to panic in the wake of two separate attacks on Emiratis.
The violent attacks, on April 6 and April 22, respectively, which Scotland Yard said were two isolated robberies, were rare and should not deter GCC visitors from visiting London, Julie Chappell, director of visitlondon.com said.
“London is one of the safest big cities in the world and welcomes many millions of visitors every year who come to the capital to experience everything the city has to offer,” she said.
“London has a friendly, multicultural population and one of the top police forces in the world keeping our streets safe, meaning that crimes against visitors are rare.
“Figures released this week show crime is falling in London and that burglary and robbery are at their lowest rates for many years.”
Figures released by London’s Metropolitan Police last week showed that crime in London fell 6.2 per cent in the last financial year, representing about 46,500 fewer crimes.
Ms Chappell said visitors can get advice on keeping safe in the city on the official visitor-guide website, visitlondon.com.
Investigations are still ongoing for the April 22 robbery on three Emiratis in an apartment in Westbourne Gardens, Paddington.
Police have already made several arrests in the wake of the April 6 incident.
Philip Spence, 32, appeared in court and was charged with three counts of attempted murder and one of aggravated burglary.
Thomas Efremi, 56, was charged with handling stolen goods and fraud by false representation. James Moss, 33, was also charged with handling stolen goods.
The next hearing in the case is on July 3 at Southwark Crown Court.
A representative for the Cumberland Hotel in Marble Arch said they were continuing to liaise with Scotland Yard.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims and we continue to work with the police to ensure the perpetrators of this dreadful crime are brought to justice,” said the hotel spokesman.
