A major crack down on gang activity is to take place this Easter holiday to counter a recent surge in youth violence.

Extra patrols will be rolled out by Lambeth police to coincide with the two week school break, with officers sweeping estates and targeting areas known for youths loitering in large groups.

Safer neighbourhood police teams will be engaging with young people on patrols to be centralised around parks, play areas and youth clubs.

Lambeth's borough commander, Chief Superintendent Nick Ephgrave, said: "We have seen an increase in gang tension recently and we want to ensure all our young people are safe this holiday, so we are being more vigilant.

"Gang activity will not be tolerated."

The Easter holidays are associated with a surge in gang activity because of the start of warmer weather, with more young people congregating outside.

But there are increased concerns this year, after the borough has been at the centre of a number of high profile incidents of youth violence in recent weeks.

The most recent statistics show Lambeth had the highest rate of most serious violence in London during February.

The Streatham Guardian understands there is concern from Scotland Yard that youth violence could spiral out of control this summer, after a string of violent incidents in the past few weeks involving young people.

A 16-year-old Streatham teen is one of five from Lambeth teens to have been charged with the murder of 15-year-old Sofyen Belamouadden in Victoria station last week, in an alleged organised fight.

A 15-year-old boy from Gipsy Hill has also been charged with the murder of Ezra Mills on the Central Hill Estate in Gipsy Hill on March 21.

There have been a number of other teen stabbings in the borough, with both young people as perpetrators and victims of violence.

Police have been using large amounts of police overtime to help combat the increased tensions - but forces are currently under pressure to reduce overtime budgets ahead of an impending funding squeeze.

Borough commanders in gang hot spots have had to face their superiors this week to discuss what action they are taking to combat the problem.

Reducing youth violence remains a Lambeth police and council priority.