City police target gang violence

Police said one of the shootings resulted in an injury

Two rival gangs based around the Allenton and Sinfin areas of Derby are being urged to call a truce after a number of shootings, police said.

One man was injured in a shooting in Allenton in May, and one person has been charged with wounding.

Derbyshire Police said they have since launched Operation Redshank to fight gang violence and defuse tensions.

The city had 10 gang-related incidents in the past eight months, including seven where gunshots were fired.

Det Ch Insp Andrew Stokes said only the shooting in Allenton involved an injury, adding that some of the other incidents were "acts of bravado".

Firearms seized

Officers working on Operation Redshank have made several arrests and seized firearms in the past few months.

Det Ch Insp Stokes said: "It is very serious if a firearm is discharged as there is always a possibility that someone might be seriously injured."

Derby youth worker Matt Newell, who is running workshops with young people, is trying to use music with a positive message to make a difference.

The police are using armed response units, road traffic divisions and dog sections to fight gang violence.

Det Ch Insp Stokes said the gang violence was fuelled by the drug trade, but added: "What Derby is experiencing is not out of kilter with what is happening nationally."

The gang violence is not confined to the Allenton and Sinfin areas but spills over to other areas of the city, he said.

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