Founded 1980s Ethnicity Mostly Black British | Years active 1980s to present Membership (est.) +200 | |
Founding location New Cross, South London Territory New Cross, Deptford, Brockley, Lewisham in South London | ||
SMG ( Grove Park )
Contents
The Ghetto Boys are a street gang based in New Cross, Lewisham and Deptford, South London. The gang was formed on the Woodpecker Estate and its members are primarily of Black British origin. Most of the members hail from the London Borough of Lewisham. Members are thought to be as young as 12.
History
The conflict between the Ghetto Boys and rival Peckham boys in 2006 drew widespread press coverage. Most of them are in prison. It is thought that the conflict between the two gangs had been ongoing for over 20 years, although it has now ceased.
Some members of the gang are known to carry arms such as MAC-10 machine pistols. A member of the Ghetto Boys fired a shot at the 2004 Urban Music Awards, injuring accountant Hellen Kelly. The bullet hit the underwire in her bra, preventing fatal injury.
The Ghetto Boys were known to have many leaders since the 1980's. In more recent times as the late 90's a more prominent leader of Nigerian Descent, who went by the name of Andrew Wanogho known by the street name "Sparks". Wanogho was killed in 2006 when he was shot in Brockley, south-east London, and more recently the two deaths of Myron Yarde (MDot) and Leoandro Osemeke (Showkey)
Clothing
The Ghetto Boys are known to identify with the colour blue. This is usually represented by blue bunting, worn around the neck or wrist. The colour blue relates to the Lewisham Borough in which the gang is based, which is associated with the colour blue and is also known as 'Blue Borough'.