Often pegged as a US problem, gun crime is beginning to dominate UK headlines, too. From the tragic death of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel to Emma Pattison, 45, believed to have been shot dead by her husband, it seems, despite it being illegal to possess most firearms, guns are becoming more commonplace. In fact, 29 out of the 43 police forces in England and Wales have seen an increase in gun crime, with it more than doubling in areas like South Yorkshire and Northumbria in the past 10 years. By contrast, gun crime in London has halved in that time, thanks partly to Operation Trident, the Met’s gun and gang crime unit. Now, less than a fifth of gun crime in England and Wales is committed in the capital. But with 100 illegal firearms seized in the UK each month, more needs to be done. Woman’s Own looks at the devastating impact gun crime has on many UK families…
Rhys Jones
The last time Melanie Jones saw her son Rhys, 11, she was cradling him in her arms as he lay dying in the middle of a car park after being shot.
Rhys had been on his way home from football practice in August 2007 when he was caught in the crossfire of two rival gangs, the Strand Gang and Croxteth Crew.
Hit in the neck by a stray bullet, Rhys fell to the ground. Melanie, who was at home, rushed to his side when she heard from his football coach that he’d been shot. But it was too late. He was pronounced dead at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
This story is from the April 10, 2023 edition of WOMAN'S OWN.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 10, 2023 edition of WOMAN'S OWN.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HOW BAD IS YOUR DIET?
Rachel Tompkins, 44, found her family consumes far too much ultra-processed food, so she decided action
I MOVED BACK HOME AT 41
Karen Hitchen, 54, explains the best things about being a boomeranger
DISGRACED TEACHERS BEHIND BARS
We take a look at the female teachers risking it all for relationships with their pupils
BEAT HAY FEVER FOR FREE!
Relieve symptoms and put a spring back in your step without spending a penny
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on cigarettes, bras and toilet habits
HOLIDAY DEALS
Bag a bargain this summer with these amazing summer destinations
DINNERS FOR DIETERS!
Healthy eating is easy with these hearty midweek meals
FIX WRINKLES fast!
From effective skincare to handy gadgets and tools that deliver on results, here’s how to smooth out every type of wrinkle
BACK ON TRACK IN 7 DAYS
Fallen off the workout wagon? Shape up for summer and beyond with our gentle but effective routine
A LIFETIME OF LOVE LETTERS
When Lynn Florkiewicz, 66, lost her husband and soulmate, she let the words flow