Government unveils tough new plans to tackle gangs

One key change will be an instant guarantee of anonymity for witnesses who come forward to testify against gang members. There will also be extended powers for police to use court orders to restrict the movements of gang members in specific areas.

Further reforms include a new £5 million campaign against knife crime and a bid to encourage teachers to screen pupils' computer accounts to identify teenagers at risk of becoming involved in gangs.

The new proposals will be outlined today by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith in a speech at a summit on gang violence which is being held at the Aston Villa football ground in Birmingham.

They are among 54 recommendations in a report by Deputy Chief Constable John Murphy, head of the Home Office's Tackling Gangs Action Programme.

Gang violence has contributed to the deaths of 40 teenagers in the capital since the start of last year.

Ms Smith said she and police recognised that offering speedier anonymity to those prepared to testify could play a key role in tackling the problem.

"We want witnesses to feel safe enough to give evidence right from the start," she said.

At the moment, witnesses are not usually offered anonymity until some time after they have come forward, leaving them vulnerable. The number of convictions for witness intimidation has more than doubled in the past decade.

In schools, headteachers will be asked to draw up emergency plans to cope with violence and to be alert to the risk of girls being subject to gang intimidation and "sexual initiation" rites.