John Cryer has claimed the wave of violent crime sweeping London “cannot be disassociated” from the loss of police officers.

The Leyton and Wanstead MP voiced his concerns in the Commons on Thursday, amid calls from ministers for an emergency debate on knife crime in Parliament.

More than 50 people have been killed in London since the beginning of 2018 in knife or gun attacks.

Labour MP John Cryer told the house the connection between the surge in violence and the loss of police officers in the capital could not be dismissed.

He said: "I'd like to follow three earlier questions about the wave of violent crime which is particularity sweeping London, Britain to some extent, but particularly London and particularly in east London.

"This cannot be disassociated from the loss of officers and the loss of police stations, so we need the debate urgently about crime, policing levels and the closure of police stations."

Commons Leader, Andrea Leadsom said she completely "shared his concern" and would look into holding a debate on the matter.

She said there has been an increase in the "appalling" use of knives in fights, particularly involving younger people, and noted the causes are very complicated.

She said: "The Home Secretary has been determined to take early action. We have had a number of discussions about what more can be done.

"She has launched in March a national knife crime media campaign across all channels, including billboards, to try and take young people away from this awful scourge."