Hackney women challenge Smith

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In Hackney, where Jacqui Smith said she would not feel safe, Cyreta James, 22, a student, said: "I don't think Jacqui Smith is in a position to say anything until she comes up here to see things for herself.

"There's a real sense of community, more police on the streets and people are very vigilant." Emma Hodson, 26, a design studio manager, said: "Safety is a problem everywhere in London so I think it's unfair for Jacqui Smith to pinpoint Hackney because it gives it a bad reputation."

Jody Whitehill, 27, a press officer, said: "I feel safe where I live in Dalston and on night buses all the time, although I wouldn't walk down 'Murder Mile' [Clapton] late at night." But Brazilian film producer Joana Rhodes, 27, said: "Two men grabbed me and took my Prada handbag last year. I'm from Rio, which is supposed to be bad but I never had problems there. I would say Hackney is far more dangerous."

In Kensington, which Mrs Smith also felt was a dangerous area, Suzie Figueiredo, 24, an office manager, said: "I wouldn't believe a thing she says. This area has to be one of the safest in London."