Detectives launch gangs hotline

Derby police are urging members of the public to help them tackle teenage gangs via a new dedicated hotline.

It means people in the city can pass on information about gang activities, crimes and weapons.

Ch Supt Andy Hough emphasised it was not a substitute for Crimestoppers or a 999 call.

He said the move would also alert police officers to younger, more vulnerable children who wanted to be gang members.

The phone-line, which can be reached on 01332 613202, would be manned during the day from the office of Operation Redshank, which was formed to fight gang violence and defuse tensions.

Organisers said the death of Kadeem Blackwood had prompted the move.

The 15-year-old was killed in the Sunnyhill area of the city on 11 November 2008 while out with friends.

Police in Derby also said there were plans to create a multi-agency gang unit in early April, which would include representatives from the community, the council, and the probation service.

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