A GANG-alert brochure is being distributed to help parents who fear their children are involved in guns or knife crime.

Thousands of copies of the eight-page government booklet are being given to parents in four cities - including Manchester - advising them on how to stop youngsters joining gangs.

And in a further clampdown on violent crime, police are being encouraged to use metal detectors at such places as railway stations to spot guns and knives.

Launching the scheme in Birmingham, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said parents needed support to help keep their children safe.

She said: "They need to know how to spot if their child is involved in a gang and where to turn if they are concerned.

"We've worked with police, local authorities and community groups to make sure this booklet is a useful addition to the fight against violent crime."

Practical steps

The booklet details practical steps parents and carers can take if they suspect their child may be involved with gangs and who to contact for help and support. The booklet was developed with the help of the Association of Chief Police Officers, local authorities, parenting organisations like the Family and Parenting Institute and community groups such as `Mothers Against Violence'.

Police throughout the country are experimenting with hand-held scanners and airport-style metal detector arches.

Last weekend a special squad carried out searches in Manchester's Piccadilly.

A spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers said: "The message is quite simple - carrying a knife is a choice and if you make the wrong choice you can expect to be caught."

Up to 30,000 copies of the booklet are to be handed out in Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and London.