UK Islamist radicals turning street gangs

The Kuwait Times reports.

LONDON: There are growing signs that radical Islamist groups are turning to British street gangs for at least some new recruits, according to a senior police officer and youth workers. Such gangs can produce fearless, team-oriented young men whom radicals can hook with the promise of redemption from their crimes, according to several youth workers, including an ex-gang member, questioned by AFP. Most at risk are British Muslim gang members of south Asian origin-Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani-though there were signs that street criminals of African and Caribbean backgrounds are also targets of extremist recruiters, they said.