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TERROR OF GANG WARS

Teens attack each other with baseball bats and table legs

POLICE and Town Hall officials have come under fire for not doing enough to stem an outbreak of gang violence that has seen terrified residents stay in doors as gangs of youths attack each other with baseball bats and table legs.
A shocking dossier compiled by Ian Walker, the senior council official in charge of cracking down on anti-social behaviour – leaked to the New Journal – reveals that rival gangs from Camden and Islington schools have fought pitched battles on the Ampthill Square Estate in Somers Town. Residents speaking to the New Journal last night (Wednesday) told how on Friday they were too frightened to leave their homes as 40 youths armed with baseball bats and table legs fought a pitched battle. Many called for more protection.
The private email, sent last month, comes in stark contrast to the information released by the police and the council. Press chiefs have given calmer reports and never use the word “gang” in public.
It also reveals that:
• Two youths needed hospital treatment after a separate fight in Whitfield Street, Fitzrovia, a brawl which officials are worried may have re-opened rivalries between youths living either side of Euston Road, King’s Cross;
• Mr Walker thought the police response in Ampthill Square was “unsatisfactory” and “not what we have come to expect”;
• A senior police officer rejected a councillor’s pleas to set up a youth ‘dispersal zone’ – effectively a 9pm curfew for gangs – because he felt enough was being done to tackle the problem;
• Officers have stepped up patrols around schools and contacted Islington council in an attempt to track down other gang members;
• The parks department considered locking up play areas where gangs gather as an emergency measure.
Asked about the most recent fight, Superintendent Martin Richards confirmed reports of “a disturbance” but made no reference to the earlier mass brawl.
Contrary to Mr Walker’s report, he insisted there had been “a marked decrease in violence on the estate since a multi-agency approach” had been adopted, adding that teachers, youth workers, councillors and police all agreed that “the way forward is not a dispersal zone but other means”.
Tenants on the Ampthill Estate said last night (Wednesday)they said they could not understand why their estate had been left of a dispersal zone plan for Camden Town.
Paul Tomlinson, vice-chairman of the tenant’s association, said: “It is a mystery why they won’t use the dispersal zone here. The police just say they don’t think that it is needed.”
Labour ward councillor Roger Robinson said fights on the Ampthill Square Estate and in Somers Town had been a problem for months.
He said: “It is often gangs from outside the area coming in to use Somers Town as a neutral venue to fight. I’ve been saying for some time that we need a dispersal zone to tackle this and give the residents some peace.”
Town Hall crime czar Anthony Brooks said: “The police have said they do not think a dispersal zone is necessary. It is not ignored and if it was happening every night then we would take action.”
A press official said: “Camden Council and the police are working closely together to diffuse and prevent youth disorder on the Ampthill Estate.
“We have identified the ring leaders and have visited schools and parents to look at appropriate action. Youth workers in the area will continue to ensure young people have alternative activities to keep them out of trouble and help to set proper boundaries of behaviour.”



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