Gang violence poses 'threat to public security' in Europe

Gardaí have cited the use by gangs of inexperienced people, often with drug problems or with drug debts, to carry out murders. File picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Violent attacks by criminal gangs have reached such a level that they now pose "a threat to public security" in Europe, the EU’s police agency has warned.

Europol said the use of “younger and inexperienced” hitmen and the easier access to firearms have driven the problem.