Met has created a central Trident Gang Crime Command and introduced local task forces across London to crack down on gang crime.

One thousand officers will now be dedicated to tackling gang crime in London.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "We've been attacking gangs from all angles. Now the Met has a concerted and determined push to take out the ring-leaders and tempt impressionable youngsters away from this destructive life. I made it clear when appointing a new Met Police Commissioner that this was the top crime priority for our city, a view shared by Bernard Hogan-Howe.

"This is gang crime being tackled head on."

Claudia Webbe, joint chair of the Trident independent advisory group (IAG) said: "With community support it has taken Trident over ten years to develop its current specialism in the prevention and investigation of gun related murders and shootings in London.

"In seeking to expand the remit and success of Trident to reduce gang violence we are reassured that the MPS will avoid the oversimplification of the term 'gang', and will work with partners to protect some of the most vulnerable sections of London's communities.”