London, the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and Nottingham account for more than half of recorded gun crime in England and Wales.

In 2004-2005, 34 per cent of recorded gun crime occurred in London, at a rate of 50 offences per 100,000 people.

Between April 2001 and October 2005, 63 per cent of victims of murder and attempted murder involving firearms in London were black.

“Gun crime is mainly committed by young men aged 16-25. Offenders and victims are getting younger and a disproportionate number are African Caribbeans,” according to the Metropolitan Police.

Shotguns can cost as little as £50 to £200.

There is an emergence of “disorganised” as opposed to organised criminals using firearms to settle relatively trivial disputes, especially in "the street level economy".

The illegal drug market remains the single most important theme in relation to the use of illegal firearms, but gang membership and the need to emulate successful criminals are also important factors.

Gangs or “crews" are formed typically from close friendship groups based around a school or neighbourhood and offer members safety in numbers.

In south London, crews in key areas such as Brixton, Peckham and New Cross have territories that include housing estates and shopping centres.

Internal rivalries, notions of "dis" (disrespect), and drug raids by the police all destabilise gang structures and can inflame violence.

Even quite trivial disputes can result in shootings because the presence of guns aggravates threats and makes pre-emptive attacks more likely: the so-called “shoot or be shot” scenario.

Times Recommends

• Swine flu vaccine for all as drug rushed through
• Artificial sperm and the race to build a baby
• BBC jets out stars to tout for prizes