Gordon Brown has pledged the Government will take immediate action to tackle the scourge of knife crime, in the wake of four stabbing deaths in one day in London.

The Prime Minister said new measures would be announced on Monday by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.

Mr Brown said: “The terrible stabbings that have occurred this week are shocking and tragic, and my thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have been hurt or killed in these attacks."

A fifth man stabbed in London yesterday remains in a critical condition in hospital.

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Outside of the capital two men were stabbed half a mile apart in separate incidents, yesterday in Bolton, Greater Manchester.

A 19-year-old was knifed in the neck by his passenger as he sat in a car at 7.40pm and is now in hospital. He is in a serious condition and has not yet been able to speak to officers investigating the incident.

In the early hours of yesterday morning a 24-year-old man was stabbed in the side after getting in to a row with a man as he walked home with a friend. He remains in the Royal Bolton Hospital, being treated a single wound to his abdomen although it is not thought to be life threatening.

Both incidents happened in the Doffcocker area of the town.

Detective Inspector Andrew Cunliffe said: “Extra patrols have been drafted into the area to provide reassurance to the local community."

Police are also investigating the murder of a man in his 20s in West Bromwich.

Mr Brown said: “I know the police are doing everything in their power to bring those responsible to justice. I have asked to be kept updated on any developments.

"I thank the police for their efforts, and urge people to give them any help they can. We will continue to make absolutely clear that carrying a knife is unacceptable in our society.”

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