Fear over spread of 'replica' guns

The death of Galal Hamza comes amid growing concern about the proliferation of guns in London. Police have also warned of an increase in the number of replica pistols converted to fire live rounds.

But the good news is that new figures show Scotland Yard has made progress in the " frontline" boroughs where the drugs trade has led to several violent deaths.

Firearms offences have fallen dramatically in Hackney, Brent, Lambeth, Southwark - targeted by Operation Trident's drive to cut gun crime in the black community. The "hearts and minds" operation has been hailed a major success after a fall in firearms offences of up to 13 per cent.

But the number of offences increased last year in other boroughs including Ealing, Lewisham and Croydon.