What can be done to stop the teenage killings?
Barely a week goes by now without news that another teenager has died on Britain’s streets, their killers armed with guns or knives.
Sometimes the victim was targeted because of gang rivalry. Often it was an argument that simply got out of hand. Or, as in the case of 16-year-old Jimmy Mizen, murdered in a London Baker’s shop, it was simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“We really, really, have to do something about carrying weapons on the streets of London,” said Assistant Commissioner Tim Godwin, who is in charge of territorial policing in the capital. “This is the time to say enough is enough.”
Godwin is planning to crack down on those carrying knives, with widespread use of stop and search powers targeted at areas where suspects are thought to be carrying weapons. He said it would be “in your face policing”.
Since the issue of youth violence became prominent last year, following the fatal shooting of 11-year-old schoolboy Rhys Jones, there have been many promises of action from polticians. But, if anything, the situation seems to be getting worse.
More police, tougher sentencing, better facilities for young people, and targeting vulnerable families have all been suggested as remedies.
What do you think is needed to stop the bloodshed?

