Crawley secondary school students attend Safer Crawley Project at The Hawth Theatre

Nearly 1,500 year-eight students from every school in the town attended sessions led by The St Giles Trust, educating them about the dangers of gang culture, County Lines and the dangers of carrying knives.

The event, organised by Crawley schools and Crawley Borough Council with funding from the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, is held annually at The Hawth.

During the day, the year 8 students also listened to a presentation from ex-gang members working with St Giles Trust. They spoke of their stories about being groomed into County Lines gangs.

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: "“It’s been a great day here at The Hawth in Crawley as all year 8 students from across the town take part in the Safer Schools event.

“We’ve heard an extremely powerful talk from people who have, sadly, faced the consequences of joining a County Lines gang. This really does happen so it’s so important that young people are taught the realities of exploitation, gang violence and coercion.

“It was interesting to speak with hundreds of young people about the sorts of crimes they worry about most and why and to explore how safe they feel in the area and what more could be done to make them feel even safer in Crawley.”

St Wilfrid’s student and Crawley Young Person's Council member Oscar Franke said: “It was a really interesting event to attend.

"I learned a lot about how young people get groomed into gangs, and how to avoid that.

"I think this is a really important event for our local community.”