Paignton has been plagued with ‘knife wielding children’ tormenting locals (Image: Getty)
Once a jewel of the ‘English Riviera’, the seaside town of , has now become synonymous with crime, anti-social behavior, and youth violence, with reports of knife-wielding children as young as nine roaming the streets.
As reported by Metro in January, frightened residents say they no longer recognize their beloved town, as it has , with gang-related activity, rampant shoplifting, and public disorder making everyday life increasingly dangerous.
Situated along the scenic Torbay coastline, Paignton was once a thriving tourist destination, celebrated for its golden beaches, family-friendly attractions, and tranquil atmosphere.
But in recent years, a dark cloud has settled over the town, with reports of “feral” youths taking over the streets, intimidating shopkeepers, and even carrying knives.
“You might get stabbed up by children,” one local told YouTuber Wendall, an urban explorer who visited Paignton after hearing shocking reports about its decline. “They’ll stab you for no reason at all, and they’re about 12.”
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Paignton was once a thriving tourist destination (Image: Getty)
The situation has become so dire that police have arrested an 11-year-old boy for being drunk and disorderly, while groups of children have been caught vandalizing shops and verbally abusing staff.
The once-thriving town centre is now described as lawless, with some residents too scared to go out at night.
Melvyn, a Salvation Army bandsman who has lived in Paignton for over 60 years, recalls a time when the town was beautifully maintained and full of life. Now, he says, neglect and crime have taken hold.
“I’ve been here since 1963, which is 60 years. I’m 80 years old, and like everywhere in this country, the deterioration is very noticeable now. The council either haven’t got the money or they spend it in different ways.
“When I came here in ’63, the gardens were kept absolutely pristine. There’s a lot of unease around; people are not as relaxed as they were.”
The once-iconic Crossways shopping centre now stands abandoned, its decay symbolic of the town’s decline.
Meanwhile, Paignton’s seafront, which was once a bustling hub for tourists, has now been plagued by gang-related incidents, including youths throwing stones from car park rooftops and underage girls physically attacking staff at the pier.
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Paignton has also found itself entangled in county lines drug operations, where gangs from larger cities exploit vulnerable children to run drugs. Reports indicate that young people in Torbay are being recruited as couriers, further escalating crime rates.
In August 2023, Inspector Chris Lithgow of Devon & Cornwall Police acknowledged the issue, stating: “We are dealing with youths involved in violent offences through the youth justice system.”
But for locals, this is little reassurance. Many feel abandoned by the authorities and fear that crime will only worsen without urgent intervention.
Devon & Cornwall Police have launched several crackdowns to restore order in the town, but many believe it’s too little, too late.
In a statement last year, Paignton Police said: “We have been receiving numerous reports of gangs of youths causing issues in and around Paignton Town Centre and the Sea Front area. They are stealing, confronting shopkeepers, threatening business owners, and acting in a disorderly manner.”
“There have also been several incidents reported on the Pier over the weekend, which resulted in a group of drunk females (14-15 years old) having to be escorted off whilst assaulting staff as they refused to leave.”
Despite its current struggles, some locals remain hopeful that Paignton can reclaim its former glory.
They are calling on the council and law enforcement to implement tougher measures against crime and invest in youth programs to prevent children from falling into gangs.
Daily Express has approached Torbay Council for comment.