Stab killings 'not gang-related'

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Newcastle does not have a gang problem following two fatal stabbings in the city, police said.

On Tuesday, a 16-year-old was arrested on suspicion of murder after a youth, believed to be aged 15, was found dead in Hallow Drive, Throckley.

It comes two weeks after the death of Mark Smith, 16, who was stabbed to death in the city's Elswick area.

Police said the two crimes are not being linked and that they are taking "robust action" against knife crime.

Officers have yet to release the name of the Throckley victim, who was found at a flat in the early hours of Tuesday.

A post-mortem examination into his death is due to be carried out.

'Stabbings isolated'

A 16-year-old has been charged with the murder of Mark Smith, who collapsed outside a takeaway on Elswick Road on 2 May.

Northumbria Police's Supt Graham Smith said: "This incident and the death earlier this month show the tragic consequences of knife crime and we will continue to take the most robust action against anyone found carrying knives as criminal weapons.

Police are not linking Mark Smith's death to the recent stabbing

"Newcastle does not have problems with gang culture. These two stabbings are being treated as isolated incidents and at this stage there is nothing to suggest they were connected in any way.

"In both cases, early arrests were made. I want to reassure everyone that the safety of the law-abiding public is paramount and dealing with knife-related crime is a priority in Newcastle area command."

More stop and searches are being carried out in a bid to target those who carry lethal weapons, he added.

The teenager's death follows complaints by Hallow Drive residents about an upsurge in anti-social behaviour.

Newcastle City Council and housing officials have recently launched a crackdown in the area, seeking possession of a small number of troublesome tenants' homes.