turnout at the last two gatherings aimed at finding a solution to recent violence.

On Thursday night Police said there were no plans for further meetings after just eight gang members turned up at the Police Recreational Club.

But yesterday a Police spokesman said discussions were taking place at the request of gang members for a further meeting to be held next week.

Police blamed the low turnout in part on "unfortunate'' recent comments - believed to be a reference to dub poet Ras Mykkal who branded the gang members as "criminals, wall-sitters and drug dealers''.

Many gang members boycotted the Thursday meeting as a result of Mr. Mykkal's comments.

A Police spokesman said yesterday: "Some of the participants in the last meeting wanted to have a further meeting and we are in discussions about that but a date or venue have not been confirmed.''