KEEP KIDS OUT OF CRIME GANGS

Children at risk will get support to steer them from trouble

- LUCINDA CAMERON

VULNERABLE children are to receive help to prevent them being recruited by crime gangs.

Prosecutors will help the Scottish Government's Serious Organised Crime Taskforce to identify youngsters who are in need of protection.

Their new scheme will aim to raise awareness of criminal exploitation and encourage agencies to share information so they can intervene early and prevent young people from being drawn into criminality.

The move comes after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's backing for the Record's Our Kids ... Our Future campaign, which aims to tackle youth violence and crime.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is collaborating with law.

enforcement and third-sector partners, including Action for Children, to develop the pilot scheme.

The initiative will be overseen by the Scottish Government's Serious Organised Crime Taskforce.