A NEW £104,000 police team is to be launched to make Ilford Town Centre safer.

Three constables and a team sergeant will normally work from 8am to 8pm to provide a rapid response to town centre crime and reassure businesses and shoppers in the area.

The news comes after Abdul Saddique, 25, of Belmont Road, Ilford, was convicted of murdering 19-year-old Nabeer Bakurally in an unprovoked knife attack in Ilford Town centre.

Redbridge Council's cabinet agreed to the project at Redbridge Town Hall on Tuesday.

The £104,000 cost for three officers is being met by the Business Improvement District members - shop owners who pay levies to boost security and trade - while the police are providing the additional officer along with the council.