The gang behind the murder of teenager Kodjo Yenga is among 14 groups terrorising communities across the borough, Hounslow's top cop has revealed.

MDP (Money Drugs Power), five members of which were convicted this April of killing the 16-year-old in Hammersmith, is behind a number of less serious crimes in Chiswick.

Other violent gangs operating in the borough include Last Man Down, responsible for a string of offences in Hounslow town centre, and Thugs After Money, several members of which are awaiting trial for attacks in Feltham.

However, borough commander David Bilson (pictured) insists police are working successfully with youth groups, schools and other organisations to stamp out the problem.

He pointed out that crime had fallen dramatically in Feltham since the recent arrests, while this summer's dispersal zone in Hounslow town centre - which gave police the power to move on intimidating groups - also had a major impact.

"Gangs are responsible for a small percentage of overall crime within the borough but they have a disproportionate impact on fear of crime because of the violence they bring," he told the Chronicle. "The vast majority of young people here reject gangs totally and have little patience with them, but many do worry about moving from town to town safely."

Police are busy compiling a database of gangs in Hounslow, based on graffiti tags and local intelligence, so they can stop those groups operating in their 'territories'.

Reassuringly, Hounslow has largely escaped the teen stabbings which have plagued other parts of London. Out of 3,000 people searched since the beginning of July just 12 were carrying blades, suggesting youths are not routinely arming themselves.

HOUNSLOW'S MOST NOTORIOUS GANGS

¥ Last Man Down (Hounslow) responsible for low-level drug-dealing, assaults and vandalism
¥ Thugs After Money (Feltham) behind a string of assaults around the town centre, though they have been quiet recently
¥ DSK (Chiswick)
¥ MDP (Chiswick) Mainly operate in Hammersmith and Acton, but responsible for some less serious crime in Chiswick
¥ ABB (Heston) Mainly based in Southall
¥ AK47 (Heston) Mainly based in Southall
¥ Grit Set (Heston)