Talk to babies to cut youth offending, says the Met

Parents are to be encouraged to talk more to their babies as part of a Met drive to combat youth violence.

The £4 million project aims to improve infants' emotional development and cut the risk them growing up with behavioural problems that could cause them to drift into crime. It follows research which suggests a lack of early brain stimulation can cause problems later in life.

Officers will first identify families with potentially vulnerable children, and pass on details to health workers.

Commander Rod Jarman said: "In some situations where a baby is not in contact with many people, there is poor socialisation later on, and a propensity to violence. Early intervention can make a big difference."

Families with older children who have been involved in crime will be targeted.

Officers will also be trained to teach teenagers how to avoid fights.