OXFORD WEST and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood questioned Prime Minister David Cameron in the House of Commons today over the availability of knives in shops, following the fatal Poundland stabbing. 

Ms Blackwood expressed her condolences to the family of 61-year-old Justin Skrebowski, the art dealer who was stabbed to death in Abingdon's Bury Street store on Monday December 7. 

The Prime Minister shared his shock and sympathy at the attack and said he was "happy to look at" her query. 

Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, Ms Blackwood said: "Mr Speaker, the tragic stabbing in Abingdon Poundland last week has shocked local residents.

"I am sure the whole House will want to join me in sending our condolences to the family of father-of-two, Justin Skrebowski, who was killed in the attack, and to honour the bravery of those who overpowered the attacker with no thought of risk to themselves.

"But in the light of this attack does the Prime Minister agree it is now time for the Government and retailers to work together, to make it more difficult for offenders to get hold of offensive weapons in the first place?"

The Prime Minister told Ms Blackwood: "As my honourable friend's constituency neighbour I was very shocked by what happened in Abingdon, and my heart goes out to the family of those who suffered. She is right to ask the question about offensive weapons and how available they are. I am very happy to look at that.

"I also think with that attack and also the Leystonstone attack - though unrelated - it's right also to look at the resources that our police have in terms of equipment. There is a very different usage pattern for Tasers, for instance, across the country. This is something the Home Secretary and the Met Police and I are discussing." 

This afternoon it was revealed that the day Mr Skrebowski was murdered was his wife's birthday. Gulsen Alkan, mother to his three-year-old twins, turned 39 on the day he died. 

Last week Bicester resident Sharon Kirkwood, who was traumatised after witnessing the attack, set up a petition demanding knives to be sold safely in shops. 

Trevor Joyce, 36, of Franklyn Close in Abingdon, appeared in Oxford Crown Court on Friday charged with murder.