AN ex-gang leader has held talks as part of a £200,000 pilot project to support victims of gang culture.

Sheldon Thomas who is the chief executive of national organisation Gangsline, is a former leader ganger member from the 1970s.

He came to Clacton on last Friday to discuss the work his team will be undertaking in Tendring and the people it will be concentrating its efforts.

Mr Thomas visited Clacton police station to meet with representatives of Tendring community safety partnership and Essex police's gang enforcement team.

The aim of Gangsline is not only to support victims but also prevent other young people falling into a lifestyle which often involves being groomed and exploited.

The pilot project, which is being funded by Essex police and crime commissioner Roger Hirst, also covers Colchester, Basildon, Chelmsford, Southend and Thurrock.

Mr Thomas said: “It’s good to be working with the police and crime commissioner and safer Essex partnership to deliver an innovative programme in the county where I live.

“Our vision to tackle gang and youth violence is shared. It was important to have some early discussions with those involved in Tendring and we are committed to making a positive difference.

“We will work with those most at risk – both young men and young women – and once we have our referrals in place we will be getting this project up and running.”

Insp Darren Deex of Essex Police said that Mr Thomas and his mentors are able to bring their own experience and knowledge of gangs to the table.

He said: “From our point of view this initiative will also send out a clear message to the gangs that we know who they are, what they are up to and we will be looking to disrupt their efforts to recruit new members."

Lynda McWilliams, Tendring community safety chairman, said:“We want to get underway as soon as possible to protect our most vulnerable young people and prevent them from getting inducted into a life of crime and violence."

Mr Hirst said:“Gangsline can help stop these criminals preying on our vulnerable young people; together we can defeat these gangs.”