Gun crime: Rise in teenage shooting victims

The Metropolitan Police Service Response to Guns, Gangs and Knives in London highlights the fact that seven teenagers have been murdered in London since the beginning of the year.

It states that the proportion of teenage victims of shootings has risen from 16 per cent in 2003 to 31 per cent in 2006 and says the average ages of victims and offenders linked to gang and group offending has fallen from 24 to 19. The report says there are at least 171 street gangs operating in London, although the figure could be much higher.

Recommendations include the creation of a Youth Violence Operations Group and a Youth Safety Group under the Metropolitan Police Service Youth Strategy.

www.mpa.gov.uk.