POLICE will be training specialist teams to identify youngsters at risk of exploitation by gangs.

Thurrock will be one of the areas targeted in a new programme introduced by Essex’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst.

More than 1,000 people from secondary schools, pupil referral units and community safety partnerships will receive specialist training. The charity Gangsline is working with the PCC and Essex Police on the programme. But the plans have been met with some scepticism from some parents.

Susan Rogers, 45, of Rushdon Close, Grays, has two sons, aged 13 and 11, and a daughter, aged 9. She said: Although I think that it is very important that we are all aware of the dangers of gangs these days, I do not think this is the answer.

Ms Rogers added: “I believe that making the young people more aware of how easy it is to be caught up in the gangs would be much better for the young people of Grays, especially in the light of recent events.

“I have a 13-year-old son who, even having spoken to him about this matter, seems oblivious that this sort of thing goes on.”

In November, a Palmers College student was stabbed after an argument outside a fast food restaurant. Then, just weeks later, three people were stabbed in Grays in just one day.

Demi Fawehinmi, 21, works with young people and runs a radio show to highlight good work by local youths.

He said: “I am very supportive of anything that helps deter young people from gang culture.

“Young people need more places to go and things to do in the community, I know this is an issue where I live in Chafford Hundred and I think it is a problem across Thurrock.

“It seems like young people are hanging around the streets but they need somewhere to go.”

Mr Hirst, said: “Tackling gangs is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan. “Once identified, those at risk of being exploited will be supported by a network of highly-skilled specialists, including some ex-gang members, who work with young people at risk to tackle the issues affecting them and help them turn their lives around.”