Groups get £800k to tackle gangs

Damilola died of a stab wound to the leg

Community groups across England and Wales have been given £800,000 to tackle crime and gang culture among youths, Home Secretary John Reid said.

The Damilola Taylor Trust, which was set up in the memory of the 10-year-old who was stabbed to death in 2000 in south London, received £300,000.

The remaining £500,000 will be shared by various groups through Connected Fund which supports youth projects.

Mr Reid said recent killings showed the "need to maintain the momentum".

During the weekend three people, including two teenagers - 16-year-old Ben Hitchcock and 17-year-old Annaka Keniesha Pinto, were killed in London.

'Respect your life'

Home Secretary John Reid said police needed the support of community groups to reach out to young people.

"To tackle gun and knife crime and gang culture we have to convince young people so they know that knives are not a status symbol and don't protect you.

"The violent deaths over the weekend demonstrate the need to maintain momentum."

Damilola Taylor Trust's "respect your life, not a knife" campaign was launched by his parents a year after his death.

Another London project, Urban Concepts recently received £150,000 from the government for its anti-gun campaign, "Don't Trigger".

Home Office officials will also meet community representatives and police officers to discuss methods to tackle crime among youths.

In collaboration with Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) it also unveiled "Knife Crime Best Practice Guidelines" which discusses the best way to handle the problem.