A GANG of unruly school kids are dishing out abuse to everyone who passes them – and there are fears of violence after a youngster was chased by 15 teenagers.

A GANG of unruly school kids are dishing out abuse to everyone who passes them - and there are fears of violence after a youngster was chased by 15 teenagers.

Opera singer Michael Harper, 44, regularly sees the intimidating group, all in their teens, in Brecknock Road, Holloway, after school.

He said: "There is a group of boys who have been gathering there. I saw them chasing one boy. I didn't see what happened to him because they all went out of sight."

He added: "The teenagers look like they are trying to cause trouble, taunting other children and shouting names. I was wondering if there were more street wardens or PCs to make it safe for the other kids."

Islington has been blighted by youth violence in recent months - with both Martin Dinnegan, 14, and Nassirudeen Osawe, 16, stabbed to death by teenagers.

Mark Hutchins, 40, who is unemployed and lives in the nearby Market Estate, said: "There are often 10 or 15 kids hanging around and they abuse people as they are going about their business. They need discipline. It doesn't bother me but if you were a young teenager or an old person it might be quite intimidating."

A police spokesman said: "We are aware of concerns and are meeting this week with all four Safer Neighbourhood teams.

"The Kentish Town Safer Neighbourhoods Team have been conducting additional patrols in the area and anyone with information is asked to contact them on 020 8721 2695. In an emergency, dial 999.