Media Statement - Murder of Shawn Seesahai

Alison Hinds, Chair of Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together, said: "This was a tragic incident which shocked our communities, and the thoughts of every member of the safeguarding partnership and the people of Wolverhampton are with the family and friends of Shawn Seesahai at this very sad time.

"As a partnership, we are committed to working together to prevent youth violence, and deliver a range of initiatives across the city, including outreach and targeted support, to help make our streets safer.

"Thankfully, the number of serious incidents of youth violence in Wolverhampton remains low – but that is, of course, no consolation to the families of those who have either been injured or lost their lives as a result of youth violence.

"Though incidents such as the one last November are thankfully rare, when they do occur it is very important that all agencies involved are able to review what happened to see whether anything could and should be done differently to help reduce the chance of something similar happening again.

"As a safeguarding partnership we are following appropriate processes and have commissioned a Child Safeguarding Practice Review. This will seek to identify key learning points for agencies involved in the safeguarding of children and young people in our city and any ways in which practice may be improved in the future.

"Everyone has a role to play in preventing youth violence – the council, the police, the voluntary and community sector, schools, parents, families friends and the wider public.

"I would urge anyone who is concerned about the safety, wellbeing or actions of a child or young person, if they feel they are either at risk or they pose a risk to others, to please remember that it's never too soon to contact the relevant authorities."

To report safeguarding concerns regarding children and young people, contact the City of Wolverhampton Council on 01902 555392 (Monday-Thursday, 8.30am-5pm, Fridays 8.30am-4.30pm) or 01902 552999 (out of hours). Alternatively call West Midlands Police on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

ENDS

Note to editors:

1/ Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together convenes safeguarding partners including the police, the Integrated Care Board and the council, alongside education and the voluntary sector to work in close collaboration to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children, young people and adults with care and support needs in Wolverhampton.

2/ A Child Safeguarding Practice Review is undertaken when a child either dies or is seriously harmed and there is cause for concern as to the way organisations worked together.

• Issued by the City of Wolverhampton Council's Corporate Communications Team on behalf of Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together.