Nine communities are to receive targeted support to help tackle gang violence and exploitation.

The Home Office will work with nine areas to help better understand gang-related violence and exploitation, and share effective ways of dealing with local challenges.

Minister for preventing abuse and exploitation, Karen Bradley, said the new policy would specifically focus on reducing knife violence, diverting young people away from gangs, safeguarding girls and tackle the abuse of vulnerable people in the drug trade.

Ms Bradley said: ‘Gang and youth violence has a devastating impact on young people, their families and local communities.

‘That’s why today we are providing more targeted support, which will allow local police and authorities to identify how best to address local challenges and identify the right measures to tackle gang-related violence and exploitation.’

The nine new areas to receive support from experts are: Basildon, Grimsby, Harrow, Hastings/Eastbourne, High Wycombe, Medway, Sefton in Merseyside, Southampton and Swindon.