CLACTON MP Giles Watling has questioned Government ministers over what they are doing to stop young people turning to violent crime.

Mr Watling questioned Home Secretary Sajid David during a debate in the House of Commons on Monday, July 15.

Clacton has suffered from an increase in antisocial behaviour in the town centre in recent years, including violent incidents involving young people.

This moth McDonald’s announced staff at its Pier Avenue restaurant will start wearing body cameras and threatened to ban those who are abusive to staff.

Mr Watling MP asked what steps Mr Javid was taking to “divert” young people away from violent crime.

In response Mr Javid MP said: “Diverting young people away from crime is at the heart of our approach to tackling serious violence.

“Factors such as domestic abuse, truancy and substance abuse can make a young person more vulnerable to becoming a victim or perpetrator of serious violence. That is why, for example, we are investing £220 million in early intervention schemes—a record amount.”

Mr Watling called for more to be done in coastal areas.

“We all know that instances of violent crime in urban centres such as London get the most media attention, but sadly we are also seeing our share of violent crime in my coastal constituency,” he said.

“We had one robbery at knifepoint and one serious assault in the same area of the town in the past week.

“Following a campaign that I led in Essex, we have seen 12 more officers on the streets of Clacton.

“They work so hard, but what more can be done to prevent young people in areas such as my constituency from turning towards violent crime?”