A MARCH for peace has taken place after a spate of recent shootings and the murder of a teenage father in south Manchester.
Anti-gun community groups Community Alliance for Renewal, Inner South Manchester Area (Carisma), Mothers Against Violence and the Street Pastors took part in the event through the streets of Moss Side and Hulme last night.
It followed the murder of 18-year-old Ramone Cumberbatch, shot dead the day before his 19th birthday.
The teenager, who had a three-month-old son Amarno, was shot in the chest at a house in Hulme last Tuesday.
Grieving
The march for peace, which was joined by members of the local community, was to let his family know they are not grieving alone.
Marchers set off from the Saltshaker community centre in Moss Side and walked to the murder scene on Rolls Crescent, where they laid flowers and prayed.
Erinma Bell, chairman of Carisma, said: "We wanted to visibly express our grief and anger at the loss of another young life.
"We wanted to make a statement to young people to lay down their guns and stop using these weapons of destruction."
Armed police have been taking part in extra patrols throughout the area.
Were you on the peace march? Have your say.
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Stephen, Manchester (19/09/2005 at 17:14)
It was cheering that community city and national representatives unostensibly took part as well as members of local faith communitites.
But such walks need to be matched by the walk of faith which leads those people who feel tempted and intoxicated by violence to cross over to acceptance and peace. Then they will be able to walk tall, look people in the eye, and really gain the respect they lack, hiding behind weapons.
melissa, manchester mosside (23/09/2005 at 22:47)
lady c, manchester (14/12/2005 at 16:43)
WEZZLE, MANCHESTER (08/09/2006 at 21:04)