Police move to calm gang tensions

Efforts to stop reprisals over the shooting of a Derby teenager are being made by police and charities.

Kadeem Blackwood, 15, was killed in the Sunnyhill area of the city on 11 November while out with friends.

Mediators have been brought in to try to calm tension between gangs and a youth group is offering workshops and sporting activities.

Ch Supt Andy Hough of Derbyshire Police said working with former gang leaders was the most effective way to operate.

"When you have a problem as serious as this - sometimes the solution has to involve those who are involved.

"They have to have the respect of those already engaged in gang violence and those that are susceptible to join - the younger youths. It's about stopping short-term retaliatory action," he said.

New direction

Stephen Morgan is a former gang leader who has been offered training from an existing youth charity called Ozbox and a grant to start a youth centre.

"Two ways I feel good - one, I never thought I would leave the gang life and two, to help these kids and it keeps them off the streets," he said.

"All they are interested in now is boxing, football - and bettering themselves."

But the police warned that co-operation would not stop gang members facing the full force of the law if they committed more crimes.

Three people, aged 17, 18 and 19, have been charged with Kadeem's murder.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version