Oxford Street Murder Prompts Gang Crackdown

Police have arrested 17 suspected gang members in an attempt to prevent further violence after the stabbing to death of a teenager in London's Oxford Street. 
Seydou Diarrassouba, 18, was stabbed in the heart after a fight broke out at a Foot Locker sports shoe store on London's Oxford Street on Boxing Day.
Investigators have said that a number of gangs were present at the time of the murder and people were believed to want to "seek retaliation or revenge" for what had happened.
Met Police Commander Mak Chishty said: "We were aware of rising tensions in the wake of the murder and, having monitored the situation closely, including various comments that have been made on social networking sites, we felt it vital we take robust and prompt action in order to pre-empt any potential future violence. 
"We don't want to see any other young person or anyone else lose their lives."
The arrests across London saw 17 people held for a series of suspected offences, including grievous bodily harm, robbery, affray, intent to supply drugs, burglary, forgery and handling stolen goods.
Further raids are expected to take place in the coming days.
Mr Chishty said: "This is just one of a series of measures we are carrying out in order to enhance the safety of the public and visitors to London.
"We will continue to aggressively pursue any lawful opportunities against those who choose to become involved in violent crime and thus protect potential future victims, in line with the Commissioner's pledge on total policing."
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed on Thursday that Diarrassouba, who died from a single stab wound to the heart, had been charged with robbery earlier in the month.
Eleven people arrested over the murder - two 22-year-olds, five 19-year-olds, three 17-year-olds and one 16-year-old - have been released on bail until mid-January.
A number of weapons were recovered at the scene and police have said they are particularly interested in obtaining videos of the fight shot on camera phones.
Another youth was stabbed on the same street just a few hours later.
:: Anyone with information about either stabbing can contact police on 020 8721 4906 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.