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Camden News - by PAUL KEILTHY
Published: 15 May 2008

The two rival gangs face off in Wellesley Road before the violence began

TEEN’S SKULL FRACTURED AS GANGS CLASH

16-year-old hit with brick and left lying in street as fighting between rivals erupts on estate

A TEENAGER had his skull fractured with a brick as days of gang friction erupted into street violence in Gospel Oak on Monday night.
The 16-year-old was treated in hospital after the assault left him sprawled in Wellesley Road, between the Wendling and Bacton housing estates.
Five people have so far been arrested in connection with the fighting.
Images obtained by the New Journal show how rival groups of youths gathered with sticks, bottles and bull terrier dogs in a side-street off Malden Road at 6pm on Monday before a clash witnessed by dozens of residents.
Police arrived seconds later, scattering the crowd around the victim’s prone body and administering first aid.
Residents on neighbouring estates said tensions had been rising between Gospel Oak teenagers and rival groups from Queens Crescent in Kentish Town.
One witness, who asked not to be named, said: “There was a fight on Friday night and there has been a lot of talk about it. Then this happens. It’s like a running feud. Before it happened it was like a scene from Quadrophenia – one gang at one end, the other facing them off.”
“I never thought we would see this day,” said 66-year-old Joyce Dannett. “This is a peaceful place, but there doesn’t seem anywhere for these young people to go.”
Gospel Oak councillor Keith Sedgwick said he had warned police of trouble brewing in the days before the attack, which he witnessed. He repeated his calls for council housing estates to be off limits to anyone not a resident or on a legitimate visit.
“Had these local hoodlums been prevented from gathering on our council estates, there would not have been the opportunity for these two gangs to clash,” he said.
Camden police said they had been called to the area twice on Friday night after reports of youth disorder. But CCTV showed that different groups were involved on Monday night.
They added that officers were conducting additional patrols around Gospel Oak estates to provide reassurance.
Detective Sergeant Steve Chappell said: “I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the disorder or the assault to please come forward to police.”
He urged witnesses to call 020 7433 6575 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

• Eighteen-year-old Sasha McSween, of Maitland Park Road, was yesterday (Wednesday) charged with violent disorder and possession of cannabis, and remanded in custody to appear later this month at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court.
Four men aged between 17 and 20 were released on bail pending further investigation.

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