Last year there was some credibility in having a go, as the number of knife incidents was considerably lower.

This year, however, it seems that there has been a sudden, marked escalation in violent responses to any kind of challenge, particularly in London.

Given that the more feral denizens of our Capital are using knives or guns as a first, rather than a last, resort, Boris's comments seem to be eminently sensible.

I am not trained, as a police officer is, in the art of restraining violent criminals, so how would getting myself killed help either the police, or the victim of crime?

Don T.