A pioneering youth worker today accused the Government of putting its own interests before teenagers at risk of gun and knife crime.

Raymond Stevenson, who set up one of Britain's most successful anti-gun crime project in Brixton, criticised ministers for diverting money away from effective community schemes.

It comes after the Home Office refused to renew funding for his Don't Trigger project, which involves young people in film and music, despite support from Labour's deputy leader Harriet Harman and senior police officers. Peckham MP Ms Harman has written to Home Office minister Vernon Coaker demanding an explanation amid fears the scheme will be forced to shut.

Mr Stevenson said: "We think it is the end. The Home Office seem to have a policy of trying to control the gun and knife agenda ... funding groups they are friendly with rather than ones that had an impact."

Mr Coaker refused an application for almost £700,000, saying the group should use music and videos it has already produced for its community initiatives.

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