Gun salute hoodie criticises MPs

Ryan is tagged after a spell in a young offenders' institution

A teenager pictured giving a gun salute to David Cameron claims the Tory leader did not listen during his visit to an estate in Manchester.

Ryan Florence, 17, appeared in a number of newspapers after creating his own photo opportunity in Wythenshawe.

The teenager, who is electronically tagged after a spell in a young offenders' institution, said nothing was being done for youths in the area.

Mr Cameron visited the area on Thursday to talk about gun culture.

He said: "We've got to get to the roots of crime. That means families and communities."

After visiting the United Estates of Wythenshawe (UWE) project, the MP was accompanied on a tour of a local estate.

And while photographers took Mr Cameron's picture, the youngster - dressed in a black tracksuit and hoodie - made a shooting action with his hand behind the MP's back.

What are they doing for us around here? Nothing Ryan Florence

He told the BBC the salute was "just a gun gesture" and a way of saying "don't mess".

Asked whether he meant any harm to the Tory leader or was just having fun he added: "Yeah, yeah - messing about innit?"

Mr Cameron's spokesman said he had not spoken to Mr Florence, but was aware the picture had been taken.

"He has never said hug a hoodie. But this picture illustrates precisely the sort of problems of anti-social behaviour and the need for positive role models that David was talking about," he said.

Ryan, who claims to be a member of a gang called the Benchill Mad Dogs, said politicians were doing little for the area.

"What are they doing for us around here? Nothing," he said.

'No work'

The teenager said he had been in custody three times for multiple charges including burglary, street robbery, stealing cars and breaching parole conditions.

Despite this, he added: "We don't do anything wrong.

"David says he is coming around to stop the crime and that but what is he doing?"

The teenager claimed the Benchill area was rife with cheap firearms which could be bought for as little as £30.

He said: "Guns are a way of life around here. Everyone has got them.

"There are shootings every week here but they don't get heard about because no-one wants to grass.

"Drugs are everywhere here. I smoke weed every day and all my friends do as well. There's nothing wrong with it as long as you don't get caught."

Greg Davis, of the UWE, said he had been impressed by the Tory leader, who he said had listened.

"When David Cameron came he held his hands up and said 'I haven't got a clue what's going on down here, you will have to fill me in'," he said.