An ex-gangster whose brother was stabbed to death has issued advice to parents who fear their child is mixed up in knife crime.
Matthew Norford, from Rusholme, dealt drugs and used guns and intimidation tactics to control south Manchester’s streets during some of the most violent years in the city’s history. But after his brother Gary was knifed to death during a botched robbery, Matthew turned his life around.
The dad, who was shot in both legs with a machine gun, now mentors children on how to avoid going down the wrong path. Matthew founded his community organisation 1 Message because he was "that kid", and knows he can relate to children who might be involved in knife crime differently to the police or their teachers.
