Knife plea for George Michael

10 months ago 17th Dec 12:01

George Michael's neighbours want him to fight knife crime.

Residents and school officials in Highgate, north London, wrote to the 'Faith' singer asking him to support a scheme designed to reduce knife crime in the area where he lives.

The former 'Wham!' star - who sponsored this year's Highgate Summer Festival - has been asked to get involved with a programme that encourages children to express themselves through music instead of violent behaviour

A source said: "In the interests on discouraging knife crime, a safer neighbourhood group in Highgate has written to ask George for help."

The former 'Wham!' star - who sponsored this year's Highgate Summer Festival - has been asked to get involved with a programme that encourages children to express themselves through music instead of violent behaviour.

The source added to Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "They're trying to get local children to focus on the challenges they face living in the area and express it in creative songwriting instead of violence. They've asked George to use his contacts ideally in organizing a songwriting competition in schools."

Since January, 65 British teenagers have died as a result of violent crime. Almost 60 per cent were stabbed to death.

The 45-year-old singer - whose fans can download his festive single 'I Dreamed of Christmas' for free on Christmas Day (25.12.08) - is yet to respond to the request.