Nine members of the same Hackney family have launched a project for neighbours to get their voices heard on the issue of knife crime.

The group, 9 Stand United, will host an open meeting at the Pedro Club in Clapton on Saturday for anyone concerned about violent crime to ask questions and discuss possible solutions as a community.

Founded by Mercinta Anderson, her son Kamil Boriel and her niece Lara Thomas, 9 Stand Together was set up after the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Tashaun Aird in Somerford Grove, Stoke Newington.

"I just thought: this is ridiculous," Mercinta told the Gazette. "My son's 23. I have nieces and nephews. What will the future look like for our children?

"We have got together as a family and said we want to have our voices heard. How can we change things and make a difference?"

The session starts at the club, at 175 Rushmore Road, at 7.30pm, but attendees are asked to be there from 7. Anyone who wants more information can email 9standunited@gmail.com.