MPs are demanding urgent action to put more police on the streets across the borough following an alarming rise in violence.

The Richmond Park MP, Sarah Olney, together with Twickenham counterpart, Munira Wilson, and the Lib-Dem leader of Richmond Borough Council, Gareth Roberts, have called for help in a joint letter to the London Mayor, Sadiq Khan.

The call follows the murder in Richmond of 39-year-old Tim Hipperson, together with the recent stabbing of a 14-year-old boy at Teddington Lock and a series of girl gang attacks in Twickenham.

The letter says the incidents have provoked a strong reaction from residents who are "anxious for visible action".

Ms Olney writes that the letter's signatories see it as vital to provide "effective reassurance" to residents across the Richmond, Kew, Twickenham and Teddington area.

As a result, they add: "We are therefore writing to request greater police numbers be stationed in Richmond."

The letter makes clear that the three politicians are also seeking a meeting with the mayor to make their case for greater police numbers. Specifically, "to explore ways of reassuring and, ultimately, keeping safe our constituents".

In a Tweet supporting the letter, Munira Wilson MP wrote: "Following recent serious incidents in Teddington and Twickenham, I have written with @sarahjolney1 and @Gareth_Roberts_ to the Mayor of London for a stronger local police presence in the borough."

Last year, residents in Richmond investigated the possibility of bringing in private police patrols, including the company MyLocalBobby, following repeated antisocial behaviour, violence and drug dealing linked to Richmond Green and surrounding areas. The proposal was opposed by the council.

Three people have appeared in court in connection with the murder of Mr Hipperson, while a fourth person has been arrested and released on police bail. 

Three girls were arrested in connection with a violent attack on a girl aged 12 at the Holly Road Garden of Rest, Twickenham, on April 12. The attack was filmed on a smartphone and posted on social media. The three girls are being investigated for the offence of Actual Bodily Harm.

To keep up to date with all our latest stories from Twickenham sign up for our weekly newsletter at the bottom of this story and follow our online newspaper on your favourite social media channel. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter.