Ex-London gang member’s warning: ‘Further attacks could be coming’
Written by News on 08/04/2018
A former drug dealer who joined one of London’s biggest gangs at just 14 has told Sky News carrying a weapon is as “important as life and death” for those involved.
The 25-year-old, who didn’t want to be identified, says the recent spate of stabbings and murders in the capital will only create more anger, and possibly lead to further attacks.
He met us in an area of south London where the gang that he used to lead is still active.
He said: “You see people die, you see people bleed. That’s abnormal. You’re not meant to be out here just bleeding. But I’ve seen people bleed and die.”
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In a week which has seen teenagers as young as 13 stabbed, he described how many young gang members are attracted by the perceived glamour and believe carrying a weapon is essential.
“It’s as important as life or death. It’s as important as staying alive or dying today, and I’ll keep saying, it’s about a mind-set.”
The number of stabbings in the capital has reached its highest rate since 2010/11 – with more than 50 murders in 2018 so far.
The Metropolitan Police held an emergency meeting on Friday with community leaders and families of victims to discuss the recent spate of attacks.
Among those attending was Nicola Calica-Myall – whose son was stabbed more 30 times.
“It’s everyone’s concern right now. The knives are not going to differentiate your age, your gender, how much money you make, it’s everybody’s problem.”
In many areas it is falling on the local community, charities and groups to help steer young people away from violence and into activities which could lead to a better life.
Reprezent Radio in south London trains 400 young people in studio and communication skills every year.
Scully, 24, is one of their DJs.
He said: “One of the problems with young people of all ages and from all places is we have a lot of energy and a lot of intention but nowhere to make a mark and put that forward.”
And while Scully hones with skills in the studio, Reprezent has 3,000 other young people on the waiting list, meaning many won’t get the help.
The number of violent deaths this year has meant the Met has had to draft in other forces to help investigate.
The former gang member says as the numbers rise, so does the anger: “Those murders have affected so many people – each single murder – it could be their friends or family that wants to be the revenger.
“It’s only going to breed pain and that pain causes a chain reaction.”
(c) Sky News 2018: Ex-London gang member’s warning: ‘Further attacks could be coming’
