PS3.5m plan for anti-violence unit after 48hrs of bloodshed.

Byline: Zoe Chamberlain Staff Reporter

ANEAR PS3.5 million violence reduction unit is to be launched in the West Midlands after 48 hours of violent crime left a man shot dead, gunfire on the streets and a policeman run down.

The cash will be spent on a number of short and long-term projects aimed at diverting people away from violence, including working with schools and GP practices and investing in a summer sports programme for at-risk young people. It was announced after an week of crime in Birmingham which began when James Teer, 20, was shot dead in Goosemoor Lane, Erdington, as he played football with friends on Thursday, August 8. A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the fatal drive-by shooting.

There was then a brutal gang attack in a 'normally quiet' cul-desac in Saltley on August 9, a policeman was knocked down on August 10 and chemicals thrown at police on August 11.

Policing Minister Kit Malthouse said: "I am deeply concerned about the rise in knife crime that we have seen across the country.

"While tough law enforcement plays a vital role, all parts of the community must work together to understand and address the underlying causes of violent crime.

"The new Violence Reduction Unit in the West Midlands will aim to ensure that there is a strong, local multi-agency approach to this issue and I am confident it will deliver real results."

Dr Sue Ibbottson, director of Public Health England, and Chris Johnson, Assistant Chief Constable at West Midlands Police, will also be involved in the running of the unit.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has vowed to give police the powers and resources they need to urgently tackle serious violence, cut crime and target county lines gangs. Recruitment of 20,000 new police officers - a commitment made by the Prime Minister when he took office - will begin next month.

On Monday Home Secretary Priti Patel confirmed all 43 police forces in England and Wales can use enhanced stop-and-search powers.

West Midlands police and crime commissioner David Jamieson said: "I will be working with others and using this money to ensure our young people aren't caught up in a cycle of violence and have real alternatives and better life chances.

"We all need to work together to tackle the root causes of violent crime. The unit will be focusing on providing opportunities for young people and diverting them from crime, as part of a public health approach."

The cash for the unit comes from PS35 million that was put aside from the PS100 million serious violence fund.

It is in addition to a total of PS63.4 million that was given to 18 forces for additional officer deployments, improved intelligence, and shortterm operational actions such as targeting habitual knife carriers.

Another PS1.6 million of the surge fund is being spent on ensuring forces collect better data to support their planning and ensure targeted action.

CAPTION(S):

James Teer (above) was shot dead in Goosemoor Lane, Erdington (left)