London Mayor Sadiq Khan finally spoke-out on the rash of murders sweeping the British capital Thursday, saying he was “angered and heartbroken” over the spike in violence but blamed the stabbing spree on “government cuts.”

The mayor issued a press release after local politicians and residents demanded action on the rise in violence throughout London; with the UK capital’s murder rate topping 50 deaths and pulling ahead of New York City’s crime statistics for the first time in recorded history.

“As the father of two teenagers daughters I worry as a dad, and that’s why we have to make sure we grapple with this problem – but I can’t solve it by myself,” said Khan.

“I have been saying to the Government that it’s not sustainable to make the level of cuts they have been making to London,” he said later in an interview. “In the last seven years we have lost £700 million from the policing budget. My message to the Government is please work with us to solve this national problem.”

I‘m angered and heartbroken by the recent violent deaths on our streets. @metpoliceuk patrols have already been increased and extra stop-and-search powers are in place. If you have any information about these horrific crimes – please contact the police. pic.twitter.com/SXgGqL7zIV — Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) April 5, 2018

Read the full story at Sky News.