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Speaking to faith leaders yesterday, Mr Reid praised their work on the "front lines" of communities affected by youth violence.

He said the government would continue to liaise with and support faith groups, claiming they offer an alternative to violence in deprived communities.

Faith communities have a good track-record of addressing anti-social behaviour in their communities, he said, pointing to the Safer Schools Partnership, Street Pastors and the Damilola Taylor Trust.

"The government will continue to Lowest Airfares support you in your efforts, because we all have a responsibility to ensure that young people understand the consequences of using guns and knives," Mr Reid told faith leaders.

"We've already done a lot. But together we, the government, police and faith leaders, can and must do more."

Following a spate of shootings and stabbings among young people in London, the home secretary launched a three stage initiative to reduce gun, knife and gang crime in February.

Engaging with faith and community groups Lowest Airfares was the third-prong, supporting increased police powers to tackle the root causes of youth violence.

Mr Reid identified two factors driving young people into gangs; a combination of fear and glamour.

The culture of violence has Lowest Airfares become contagious, he said, where gangs make people feel insecure, increasing the pressure on young people to join a gang.