News RSS Feed


Video: Gang members speak out

12:18pm Wednesday 16th January 2008

comment Comments (492)   Have your say »

By Jon Cheetham »

MEMBERS of the IVS gang - which murdered teenager Faridon Alizada belonged to - have spoken to News Shopper.

The teenager, who was also known as Fighterrr, was stabbed to death in Erith on January 5 - just four days after his 18th birthday.

Since his killing hundreds of comments have been posted on News Shopper's website condemning his gang lifestyle and branding the IVS gang as thugs.

Full name the Invincibles, IVS claims to have more than 100 members in the Bexley and north Kent area.

Members of the gang contacted News Shopper wanting to defend their friend - who they had known for three years - and to tell their own story.

Reporter Jon Cheetham met them and heard how they are in jobs and college, and trying to make something of their lives.

And they told him Mr Alizada had a bright future too, studying carpentry at Shooters Hill College.

Below is a copy of the conversation. The gang members wanted only to be called by their nicknames.

News Shopper: Was Fighterrr dealing drugs?

Brutal, aged 18: Fighterrr wasn't a drug dealer. He had so much love. People killed him thinking he had drugs.

Levelz, 18: He was visiting friends. He goes there to chill with his friends. But the flat was a crack den - the whole estate is.

News Shopper: Who was Fighterrr with when he died - where they members of IVS?

Vesk, 17: They were friends of his. They weren't in IVS but one of them is associated with IVS.

News Shopper: You have asked to be called only by your nicknames. Why do you use these names? Are they gang names?

Vesk: They are just names that stick with you. Other people started calling you it. They are not necessarily gang names. It depends on what your definition of a gang is.

Levelz: The definition of our group is a family.

News Shopper: But there is a negative side to this - like the violence. Do you get involved in fights?

Brutal: We only do things we have to do. If we are getting attacked we are going to back our friends.

Skamz, 21: We don't start things for no reason.

News Shopper: What about Fighterrr - his names suggests he liked to fight?

Brutal: He came through a lot.

They all agree.

Vesk: He was very proud and would fight for what he believed in.

Levelz: It's not meant literally.

News Shopper: What do you mean when you say he came through a lot?

Brutal: Fighterrr didn't get involved with things that had nothing to do with him. But in the area that we come from - Dartford, Welling and Sidcup - some people are racist.

Skamz: We are a multicultural group and that is the problem because we have people who are black and Asian.

Brutal: Other gangs team up on us because we have other colours. Some gangs like RA are racist. And they don't care they are racist.

News Shopper: What does the name RA stand for?

Brutal: Racial Attackers.

Skamz: If you are black and live in that area you can't turn around and say something because they will attack you.

Brutal: There are a lot more white people in our area. Why are we going to bully elderly people and little kids?

Vesk: We are in the wrong by fighting back but we are not going to run away.

News Shopper: Do you carry knives?

Vesk: People make assumptions about us saying we are fighters and walk around the streets with knives. None of us carry weapons or knives.

Brutal: We are not even a gang that is out for fighting. Every gang gets it when people start talking about how many people you have. As soon as you get a name for yourselves people want to get you. Adults don't understand that. They think you just want to fight and want to be hard but we don't boast about the things we do.

News Shopper: How many people are in IVS?

Vesk: It is in treble figures.

Snipzy, 18: We started as a small group but because people are suffering they come and join our group.

News Shopper: How did you become involved in IVS?

Vesk: It all started two years ago when I was young and wanted a name for myself and started a gang and then I changed as I grew older and realised life isn't about the streets and fighting. We have girlfriends and are learning to drive and move on with life.

Levelz: Most of us have jobs or go to college. We are all trying to get on. But maybe you want to go out somewhere but you can't go there because people hate you. If you go somewhere like Bexleyheath it is going to kick off. We just want to chill.

News Shopper: Do all the members of IVS feel the same way?

Skamz: I can't say every single member of IVS is like us because we have other members who want to prove something and they give us the bad image.

Brutal: There are some members who will possibly fight for no reason.

Skamz: We are the older line so we move how we move - the youngsters don't understand.

Brutal: They are out to be like us.

News Shopper: What will IVS do now that one of its members has been killed?

Skamz: If something happens - like this - we are hurt.

Vesk: I am a Muslim and I believe that Allah decides so if I get stabbed it is my time to go. I shed tears for Fighterrr - but I will not feel the pressure for him.

Brutal: Everyone here has shed tears for Fighterrr.

Levelz: I have cried for days.

  • Respect to Fighterrr: Watch gang members' tribute on video - click here
Print article » Email to a friend »

Your Say YourShopper

mt, says...
1:02pm Wed 16 Jan 08

well, dont think this has happend before, being interviwed ? i hope you all get the life and chances everyone deserves. good luck.

Report this post »

Erastus, The Kitchen says...
1:06pm Wed 16 Jan 08

This has not changed my opinion one bit! Just look at the photograph and then visualise how intimidating these yobs could appear to elderly people or anyone for that matter.

Respectable members of society do not roam the streets in gangs. I don't care what any of them are studying at college - get it into your heads that people object to your lifestyles, laddies.

Report this post »

mt, says...
1:14pm Wed 16 Jan 08

most kids look like this. 50's there were teddy boys/mods. 60's
i dont know. 70's punks. on saturday i went out and when we all left the pub (slightly the worse for wear) ....there were 6 of us, we wernt very quiet...and we all in our early 40's. would we be a gang ?

Report this post »

Erastus, The Lounge says...
1:26pm Wed 16 Jan 08

There is a big difference between a few old has-beens leaving the pub after too many light and bitters, singing Roll Out The Barrel and hugging one another before vomiting into the gutter and a large group of intimidating kids.

I think you know that in your heart of hearts, mt.

PS: nice to know you can still get out.

Report this post »

anon, anon says...
1:35pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Absolute drivel!
Try telling my husband, who is a police officer, that these type of gangs do not cause problems or trying telling gang members robbery/rape/knife and gun victims the same.
My husband had to work New Year's Eve when silly gangs like the 'IVS' were out in force, stabbing one another. My husband was called to one such incident only to be given a load of verbal abuse by one of the 'victims'. Why should my husband be trated like that? The same abuse was also dished out to the paramedics who are trying to help these idiots. I would let them bleed to death if I were in that position being abused by idiots who carry knives - all gang members do.
I am fortunate to live in a nice area of Kent where gangs of youths do not wander the streets trying to imtimidate 'normal' decent citizens.
My advice to these gang members - get a life, it's not big, it's not clever and GROW UP.

Report this post »

Erastus, The Bar says...
1:41pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Well said, Anon! I absolutely agree with everything you said.


Report this post »

mt, says...
1:42pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Erastus wrote:
There is a big difference between a few old has-beens leaving the pub after too many light and bitters, singing Roll Out The Barrel and hugging one another before vomiting into the gutter and a large group of intimidating kids. I think you know that in your heart of hearts, mt. PS: nice to know you can still get out.
well Erastus - with a name like that i should imagine you are from BC times you must be ancient. i do not vomit in the gutter-drinks far to pricey to waste. roll out the barrel...another oldie, so i take back my comment about BC you prob born in the 20's ? - and you talk about me being a has been !. i am used to your sarcastic drivel, all i am saying is i hope these 5 kids stick to the right path, get jobs/behave etc. thats all.

Report this post »

Erastus, The Sofa says...
1:47pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Yes, I do come from BC times. Do you know what the BC stands for? BC = Before Crime.

By the way, in future do you think you might remember that a sentence starts with a capital letter?

Report this post »

dmd, says...
1:48pm Wed 16 Jan 08

just because the boys of i v s have spoken to the newspaper are we to believe now that they aren`t a gang and they have never done nothing wrong and they are always in the wrong place at the wrong time,, who would you believe ,, them or the people that have spoken about the gang and have been attacked by them. they will always stick up for one of there members and say that they did nothing wrong,, we all saw the clips on youtube and some of us know what they are really like,, all gangs should be sorted out and they should not blame each other as they are all as bad as each other...

Report this post »

A MUM, Kent says...
1:49pm Wed 16 Jan 08

What aloud of crap! You say He was a nice boy, your all trying to came across like your nice boys (bullsh*t) in the video one of you say…your son comes home about half 12 yeah with a black eye yeah, what was he doing out that late, why did you let him out that late, WELL let me tell you, my sons is 18, he went to the fun fair in damson park with he’s girlfriend of 2 years, he got jumped by about 12 mugs for no reason at all, that was around 8 o’clock in the evening, did he ask for that? NO he didn’t, was in in a gang? NO he wasn’t, then we had a van load of mugs looking for him, they was driving pass my house, the oldest one in the back of the van was 28 years old ha ha ha BIG MEN! I think NOT. My son should be able to go where he likes and at what time he likes and be safe.

Then he got robed of he’s phone by 8 black mugs, he was out walking our dog, they followed him into a shop and tried to beat him over the head with glass jars they picked up from the counter in the shop, did he ask for that too? NO HE NEVER!

My son left school last year, in he’s exams he’s got Es & Fs but I told him it don’t matter you tried your best, and as long as my son gives me he’s best im happy, I told him DON’T BE THE DOSSER SITING ON THE STREET CONER WITH A CAN OF BEER IN YOUR HEAD, .BE THE ONE DRIVING PASS IN A NICE CAR THAT YOU WORKED HARD FOR, he as always remembered me saying that to him.
He got a job as soon as he left school and is doing well. SO IF HE CAN DO IT WITH EXAM RESULTS LIKE THAT, THAN YOU ALL CAN, GET OFF YOUR BACKSIDE AND DO SOMETHING WITH YOUR LIFES!

Report this post »

Concerned, Eltham says...
1:50pm Wed 16 Jan 08

What concerns me as a mother of an 11 year old boy is that to the young kids growing up they think this violence is clever. My son listens to the bad rap music which i hate as I think it is teaching them all the wrong things. The people young people look up to are people who are promoting violence. The people who are dying are called fallen soldiers as though they are some kind of hero. It's crazy and I wish I earned enough money to save and get out of this country so my son didn't have to be sucked into this craziness. If my son got involved with a gang and carried a knife around I would disown him simple as that,

Report this post »

mt, says...
1:52pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Erastus wrote:
Yes, I do come from BC times. Do you know what the BC stands for? BC = Before Crime. By the way, in future do you think you might remember that a sentence starts with a capital letter?
a sentence starts after someone has been found guilty....and you my "old" chum are guilty of being completely. Anal.

Report this post »

Erastus, The Sofa says...
1:54pm Wed 16 Jan 08

There you go forgetting that capital letter at the start of the sentence. Also, you should not have put a full-stop after 'completely'. It totally ruined the flow of your comments.

Better luck next time.

Report this post »

mt, says...
1:55pm Wed 16 Jan 08

A MUM wrote:
What aloud of crap! You say He was a nice boy, your all trying to came across like your nice boys (bullsh*t) in the video one of you say…your son comes home about half 12 yeah with a black eye yeah, what was he doing out that late, why did you let him out that late, WELL let me tell you, my sons is 18, he went to the fun fair in damson park with he’s girlfriend of 2 years, he got jumped by about 12 mugs for no reason at all, that was around 8 o’clock in the evening, did he ask for that? NO he didn’t, was in in a gang? NO he wasn’t, then we had a van load of mugs looking for him, they was driving pass my house, the oldest one in the back of the van was 28 years old ha ha ha BIG MEN! I think NOT. My son should be able to go where he likes and at what time he likes and be safe. Then he got robed of he’s phone by 8 black mugs, he was out walking our dog, they followed him into a shop and tried to beat him over the head with glass jars they picked up from the counter in the shop, did he ask for that too? NO HE NEVER! My son left school last year, in he’s exams he’s got Es & Fs but I told him it don’t matter you tried your best, and as long as my son gives me he’s best im happy, I told him DON’T BE THE DOSSER SITING ON THE STREET CONER WITH A CAN OF BEER IN YOUR HEAD, .BE THE ONE DRIVING PASS IN A NICE CAR THAT YOU WORKED HARD FOR, he as always remembered me saying that to him. He got a job as soon as he left school and is doing well. SO IF HE CAN DO IT WITH EXAM RESULTS LIKE THAT, THAN YOU ALL CAN, GET OFF YOUR BACKSIDE AND DO SOMETHING WITH YOUR LIFES!
thats what i'm trying to say, you can lead a better life. glad your boy has done well.

Report this post »

:-), London City says...
2:06pm Wed 16 Jan 08

A MUM wrote:
What aloud of crap! You say He was a nice boy, your all trying to came across like your nice boys (bullsh*t) in the video one of you say…your son comes home about half 12 yeah with a black eye yeah, what was he doing out that late, why did you let him out that late, WELL let me tell you, my sons is 18, he went to the fun fair in damson park with he’s girlfriend of 2 years, he got jumped by about 12 mugs for no reason at all, that was around 8 o’clock in the evening, did he ask for that? NO he didn’t, was in in a gang? NO he wasn’t, then we had a van load of mugs looking for him, they was driving pass my house, the oldest one in the back of the van was 28 years old ha ha ha BIG MEN! I think NOT. My son should be able to go where he likes and at what time he likes and be safe. Then he got robed of he’s phone by 8 black mugs, he was out walking our dog, they followed him into a shop and tried to beat him over the head with glass jars they picked up from the counter in the shop, did he ask for that too? NO HE NEVER! My son left school last year, in he’s exams he’s got Es & Fs but I told him it don’t matter you tried your best, and as long as my son gives me he’s best im happy, I told him DON’T BE THE DOSSER SITING ON THE STREET CONER WITH A CAN OF BEER IN YOUR HEAD, .BE THE ONE DRIVING PASS IN A NICE CAR THAT YOU WORKED HARD FOR, he as always remembered me saying that to him. He got a job as soon as he left school and is doing well. SO IF HE CAN DO IT WITH EXAM RESULTS LIKE THAT, THAN YOU ALL CAN, GET OFF YOUR BACKSIDE AND DO SOMETHING WITH YOUR LIFES!
Well said, I left school back in the 90's with E's and F's and I now have a well paid job working in the city. I have never been out of work, and I have earned what I have. Oh and I am from Thamesmead, so there is hope if given the right push by our parents and friends

Report this post »

Erastus, The Hall says...
2:11pm Wed 16 Jan 08

jp, would you mind concentrating your comments on the article and not on my goodself?

Incidentally, your grammar is almost as bad as your spelling. I suppose you are one of those people who think that grammar is married to granpa.

Report this post »

Erastus, The Library says...
2:27pm Wed 16 Jan 08

No response from our hoodied friends yet, I see.

Oh, I forgot - they are all studying hard at school to become missionaries.

Silly me.

Report this post »

teacher, orpington says...
2:37pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Erastus wrote:
jp, would you mind concentrating your comments on the article and not on my goodself? Incidentally, your grammar is almost as bad as your spelling. I suppose you are one of those people who think that grammar is married to granpa.
thought you had to start a sentence with a capital, you are a fool old boy

Report this post »

anon, anon says...
2:45pm Wed 16 Jan 08

I think some of the comments to this article have lost sight of the fact gangs exist and people are getting hurt and threatened. Good spelling and gramatically correct paragraphs are neither here nor there.
If you have a valid comment to make, do so, otherwise vent your annoyance at other's mistakes elsewhere and let the genuinely concerned express their views of this gang here.

Report this post »

AP, London says...
3:19pm Wed 16 Jan 08

LIES LIES LIES- Explain why they beat up my mate for leaving the pub and FIGHTTTTTTEEEEERRRRR was one of them!

Report this post »

Suz, Erith says...
3:27pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Go on you tube, search for fighterr. There are lots of videos and he isn't as innocent as these boys are making out. My opinion hasn't changed, no one deserves to be murdered, but he was involved in a gang, where i'm sure they have badly hurt maybe even killed themselves. HYPOCRITES

Report this post »

Dont Worry, Bromley says...
3:41pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Your all aduts and you sitting here arguing with each other over about what century you come from, its pathetic. Im 16 years old, you dont underrstand what its like at all you think 'oh no they have a choice' no they really dont, these are all nice boys. fair enough yes they fight but are you reallly telling me that when you was 16/17 you wasnt having fights? and yes they hang around on streets, but where else is there for them to go? There is nothing for us to do, we are not trying to be intimidating we just want to be around with our friends.
R.A is actually worst than I.V.S will ever be, R.A are just a bunch of losers who are white, act black but hate black people and attack them ..now thats just pathetic.
These boys have done this to try and show there side of the story and your still going on like a bunch of ediots. Your all going on like we live in some perfect land. Nothing is going to change this.

Report this post »

Jane, Orpington says...
3:50pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Erastus - I look on News Shopper a few times a week to see what is going on in my local area. Whenever i go to the comments part of the news articles there you are. What makes you such an upstanding member of the community as it would seem all you do is sit at home and post argumentative, sarcastic comments almost everyday on almost every article. I think out of everyone on here you are the one always going off the issue and picking on people for their grammar and/or spelling mistakes. Who cares if they can spell or not. Some upstanding citizens are dyslexic!! Maybe your the one who needs to get a life!!!

Report this post »

........, Downham says...
3:56pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Dont Worry wrote:
Your all aduts and you sitting here arguing with each other over about what century you come from, its pathetic. Im 16 years old, you dont underrstand what its like at all you think 'oh no they have a choice' no they really dont, these are all nice boys. fair enough yes they fight but are you reallly telling me that when you was 16/17 you wasnt having fights? and yes they hang around on streets, but where else is there for them to go? There is nothing for us to do, we are not trying to be intimidating we just want to be around with our friends. R.A is actually worst than I.V.S will ever be, R.A are just a bunch of losers who are white, act black but hate black people and attack them ..now thats just pathetic. These boys have done this to try and show there side of the story and your still going on like a bunch of ediots. Your all going on like we live in some perfect land. Nothing is going to change this.
You claim that you don't have a choice of course you do everybody has a choice on how to live their lives. Gangs or groups of boys hanging around the streets is intimidating to younger kids, old people and women why should people have to look over their shoulder all the time to hope that some thug is not going to walk up behind them and start.

I think these boys have done this to get more exposure for IVS if they had changed that much Fighterrr would still be alive today. Nobody is saying this world is perfect but it won't get any better only worse with people like this on our streets.

Report this post »

Jane, Orpington says...
4:00pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Oh and just so im not going off the issue, I understand that there really isnt much for youngsters to do without having money in thier pocket, but dont feel that is a good enough excuse for them to carry on the way they do. The youtube clips dont really help their argument!

Report this post »

me here, bexley says...
4:03pm Wed 16 Jan 08

I cant believe the newsshopper has give these thugs the coverage they wanted,its only to big them selfs up.They are a waste of time and space. Before long we will probably be reading about another one of these yobs either they have had their life taken or taken someone elses.They are nothing but scum the lot of them.

Report this post »

:-), London city says...
4:07pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Dont Worry wrote:
Your all aduts and you sitting here arguing with each other over about what century you come from, its pathetic. Im 16 years old, you dont underrstand what its like at all you think 'oh no they have a choice' no they really dont, these are all nice boys. fair enough yes they fight but are you reallly telling me that when you was 16/17 you wasnt having fights? and yes they hang around on streets, but where else is there for them to go? There is nothing for us to do, we are not trying to be intimidating we just want to be around with our friends. R.A is actually worst than I.V.S will ever be, R.A are just a bunch of losers who are white, act black but hate black people and attack them ..now thats just pathetic. These boys have done this to try and show there side of the story and your still going on like a bunch of ediots. Your all going on like we live in some perfect land. Nothing is going to change this.
I can say that at 16-17 I wasn't looking for a fight, I was too busy doing a YTS at a rather well know central bank. So what you say is not true, there is opportunities for you all out there you just need to stand up and look for something and not expect it handed to you on a silver platter. Also don't come saying 'you don't know what its like’ well I do. I lived in Thamesmead, poor GCSE grades, hung about with the wrong people when I was 12-15, but once I left school I got a life and left my childhood behind me. “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”

For once in my life I was treated with respect and treated like an adult, same can not be said for these guy's as they are still in a gang

Report this post »

Erastus, The Classroom says...
4:11pm Wed 16 Jan 08

I will refrain from giving you all lessons in grammar, punctuation and spelling as it is quite obvious that all my previous instruction has been in vain.

JP - I addressed you as jp because that is how you sign yourself.

Jane - if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen, love.

Report this post »

me here, bexley says...
4:15pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Well said London city.I also grew up in Thamesmead and hung around with some wrong people but i didnt do anything i didnt want to do.Its all about choices. But like you say i grew up and life couldnt be better.

Report this post »

Me, At home says...
4:15pm Wed 16 Jan 08

:-) wrote:
Dont Worry wrote: Your all aduts and you sitting here arguing with each other over about what century you come from, its pathetic. Im 16 years old, you dont underrstand what its like at all you think \'oh no they have a choice\' no they really dont, these are all nice boys. fair enough yes they fight but are you reallly telling me that when you was 16/17 you wasnt having fights? and yes they hang around on streets, but where else is there for them to go? There is nothing for us to do, we are not trying to be intimidating we just want to be around with our friends. R.A is actually worst than I.V.S will ever be, R.A are just a bunch of losers who are white, act black but hate black people and attack them ..now thats just pathetic. These boys have done this to try and show there side of the story and your still going on like a bunch of ediots. Your all going on like we live in some perfect land. Nothing is going to change this.
I can say that at 16-17 I wasn\'t looking for a fight, I was too busy doing a YTS at a rather well know central bank. So what you say is not true, there is opportunities for you all out there you just need to stand up and look for something and not expect it handed to you on a silver platter. Also don\'t come saying \'you don\'t know what its like’ well I do. I lived in Thamesmead, poor GCSE grades, hung about with the wrong people when I was 12-15, but once I left school I got a life and left my childhood behind me. “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” For once in my life I was treated with respect and treated like an adult, same can not be said for these guy\'s as they are still in a gang
Well said cant agree with you more!

Report this post »

NOT TO KEEN ON ERASTUS, London says...
4:18pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Erastus wrote:
I will refrain from giving you all lessons in grammar, punctuation and spelling as it is quite obvious that all my previous instruction has been in vain. JP - I addressed you as jp because that is how you sign yourself. Jane - if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen, love.
Stop bein a prat. you lead a sad and lonely life. Maye you should join these low lifes.

Report this post »

Erastus, The Conservatory says...
4:18pm Wed 16 Jan 08

It's good breeding that counts. After all, just take me as an example.

Report this post »

Jane, Orpington says...
4:35pm Wed 16 Jan 08

I think you will find your the one posting comments from all over your house not me. Where are you now in the lounge, kitchen or just up your own backside??? You have no right to come on here and technically bully people for posting heir comment grammatically correct or not!! You either have a massive chip on your shoulder about something to be such an arrogant tosser!!! Get over yourself. This isnt an english lesson for you to control. Oh and i ask again what makes you such an upstanding citizen??

Report this post »

Laura, Thamesmead says...
4:42pm Wed 16 Jan 08

I took the time to watch a few of these youtube videos, and although I don't like the thought of kids dying so young, I can't help thinking that this kid had it coming in one way or another, it was shameful to watch!! And NO ONE can convince me this lad and his gang had good intensions!

Dont Worry, Bromley - I never had anything to do as a teenager, and yeah we would get into a bit of trouble - but I can hand on my heart say that none of my friends carried knives/guns and I never had to attend any of their funerals.

Report this post »

Cant fool me IVS, says...
4:45pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Sorry do not believe a word of it.
Infact i know it is a pack of lies.
They WERE a gang and still ARE a gang.
They DO hurt innocent people.
They ARE nasty boys and ALWAYS will be.
The only piece of truth is that they DO attend a college, where funny enough they BEAT PEOPLE UP - FACT !!

Report this post »

LIES, Bexleyheath says...
4:49pm Wed 16 Jan 08

if you believe any of this rubbish then your stupid.
they were down bexleyheath the other day tryin to cause trouble. you wont find any other gang carryin knives like ivs. ivs arent bexleyheath either there dartford. this is all just some big publicity stunt so they get heard by all the other gangs out there getin a repuatation as the gang in the paper. they just made themselves look stupid though. all these boys are out to do is cause trouble. they put on their best english for that interview if you met them on roads you wouldt understand a word.

Report this post »

L, says...
4:51pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Dont Worry wrote:
Your all aduts and you sitting here arguing with each other over about what century you come from, its pathetic. Im 16 years old, you dont underrstand what its like at all you think 'oh no they have a choice' no they really dont, these are all nice boys. fair enough yes they fight but are you reallly telling me that when you was 16/17 you wasnt having fights? and yes they hang around on streets, but where else is there for them to go? There is nothing for us to do, we are not trying to be intimidating we just want to be around with our friends. R.A is actually worst than I.V.S will ever be, R.A are just a bunch of losers who are white, act black but hate black people and attack them ..now thats just pathetic. These boys have done this to try and show there side of the story and your still going on like a bunch of ediots. Your all going on like we live in some perfect land. Nothing is going to change this.
Sorry but you DO have a choice, lots of them. My 2 children were born and brought up in Thamesmead but the eldest (19) is now working hard at London Ambulance taking the 999 calls often from distressed people beaten up, shot, stabbed etc by these nasty gangs. He also gets abuse just for doing his job, why should he be threatened for asking the questions LAS need to know when sending an ambulance out to a case? He has been mugged locally too and he has NEVER been in trouble with the police. We do not have loads of money - I am a nurse and his Dad a records clerk. Why should other kids be any different?

Report this post »

Kel, Abbey Wood says...
4:57pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Bromley, all you teens have got things to do, free youth clubs are open everywhere, the gangs don't understand that you have to go inside tho, they stand outside all round the doorway intimidating those who want to get off the streets. If the gangs (who are old enough to work) got a job, they would have money to do things. You can't help people who don't want to be helped. When I was 15/16 I was a bit lairy but I wouldn't of dreamt of causing trouble for no reason or carrying a knife or a gun, there is no need for it at all

Report this post »

Erastus T. Piggott, The Lav says...
4:58pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Jane, Jane, Jane. What am I to do with you? Still, I like a feisty filly.

What makes me upstanding? Good breeding, lots of money, exquisite taste and I have never roamed the streets in gangs terrorising innocent people such as yourself.

I think you are probably a nice enough lassie, just a little misguided.

Tell me, if you look on this site to find out about what is going on in the area, fair enough. Nobody actually forces you to read the comments or for that matter, reply to them.

Am I right or am I right? I am of course, right.

Report this post »

Friedrich Nietzsche, says...
4:59pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Please refrain from condemning Erastus.

Can you not understand that he/she is capable of breaking the space/time continuum?
He/she is in all places at all times.

Therefore, I can only conclude that he/she is a higher being.

And the grammar is piffle.

Report this post »

Wendy, Welling says...
4:59pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Watched the video - - I have respect for them to come out and say what THEY think. But as a mum of a boy who has never been in a gang, but who was chased because IVS THOUGHT he was in a gang, they hit his friend with a knuckle duster all at 7pm in Sidcup - to you I say you seem to be wearing rose tinted glasses and have forgotten what you did as a group.
Lets hope that this now ends, that you get a job or a education, pull your trousers up, no more busting low it looks silly. and turn your life around. Shame it took the death of your friend to do it
Finally yes you all are someones son, maybe its time that the parents of these boys gave them some advice on how to succeed

Report this post »

Erastus T. Piggott, The Tardis says...
5:02pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Thank you, Friedrich. Sense prevails at last.

Report this post »

Jane, Orpington says...
5:12pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Yes you are right no-one forces me to read or reply to these comments. I dont understand how you conclude that i am misguided though. I also dont understand how money has anything to do with with being an upstanding citizen. There are many criminals out there with lots of money who may also have exquisite taste for all we know. Personally I dont think your of a good breed probably just a mongruel pretending to be a pedigree!!! Oh and yes i am a nice lassie or I wouldnt be sticking up for these people by condemning you for being arrogant towards them. Am I right or am I right. I think you'll find i'm right!

Report this post »

Jane, Orpington says...
5:14pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Oh and has Friedrich just crawled out your backside or is it you pretending like with your breeding?? Hmmmmmmm very suspicous!!!!

Report this post »

Erastus T. Piggott, The Armchair says...
5:14pm Wed 16 Jan 08

After watching the delightful video, I can only assume that the young gentlemen must attend the Sylvester Stallone School of Elocution.

Report this post »

Erastus T. Piggott, The Sauna says...
5:17pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Dear Lady Jane. I can assure you that Friedrich and I have never been aquainted, though it is much to my regret.

Report this post »

Donna, New Eltham says...
5:35pm Wed 16 Jan 08

i lke Eratus. He makes me larf. He just likes winding you lot up. He speaks a lot of sence too this site was boring befor he starting saying things

Report this post »

Erastus T. Piggott, The Steam Room says...
5:42pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Why, thank you Donna for those kind words of encouragement. It seems I am building quite a fan-base.

Just let me know when you would like to book-in for some English lessons.

Report this post »

Massive, erith says...
5:49pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Love the fat white boy trying to be a 'dude'.

Hey chubby - If you want to look 'bad':

1. Less doughnuts!
2. More press ups!
3. Work in that haircut!

Report this post »

Donna, New Eltham says...
5:49pm Wed 16 Jan 08

nah fanx Eratus i ad enough of them at scool lol

Report this post »

Erastus T. Piggott, The Potato Couch says...
5:51pm Wed 16 Jan 08

I wholeheartedly agree, Massive. Perhaps his nickname should be 'Da Chubster'?

Report this post »

Erastus T. Piggott, The Kitchen says...
5:52pm Wed 16 Jan 08

On second thoughts, 'Da Chubsterrr' would be more appropriate?

Report this post »

lou, says...
5:54pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Erastus T. Piggott wrote:
Why, thank you Donna for those kind words of encouragement. It seems I am building quite a fan-base. Just let me know when you would like to book-in for some English lessons.
That would be fine if your English was up to scratch. Sadly as it is not.......
In any case - I think you have completely lost the point of this, it is COMMENTS section not for comments about each other but about the story! These boys need to really take stock of their lives as in a few years they will trying to earn a living and failing miserably by the look of it. In fact looking at their ages again I think some of them already are.

Report this post »

a mum, abbey wood says...
5:55pm Wed 16 Jan 08

Ive just sat and read this page, Im also someone that has hanged around the streets in the 80's, and yes there were a group of us blacks and whites we didnt get into the trouble these kids 2day get into.We said at the time we had nowhere to go but there where clubs and that it is a choice!!
These boys in interview yes i can understand they have lost this boy and are hurting, it has shocked them, but did it have to come to this!!! Or why!!