A call for prayer and action across the UK has been made on Thursday by Christian media group Premier, following another deadly youth shooting.

The apparently random shooting of 11-year-old Rhys Jones on a Liverpool street yesterday has further exposed a culture of violent gangs glorifying a life of crime.

Premier's Chief Executive, Peter Kerridge said, "In dark times such as this one, it is easy to become despondent and question what we as individuals could possibly do to alter the desperate state of affairs surrounds knife and gun crime in the UK.

"For many months now, Premier has been in close consultation with the Metropolitan Police, the Metropolitan Black Police Association, the Peace Alliance and the Home Office to look at how we can tackle this problem together. We will find the solutions to this dire situation through action and prayer."

Premier has been carrying out a nationwide Churches Consultation E-survey on Violent Crime over the past week, which has received an overwhelming response.

"We have received many hundreds of suggestions and ideas on how to tackle knife and gun crime within our communities from those who have taken part in the survey," Kerridge said.

He added, "Violent crime is a central cause of concern for the Christian community and we will soon be collating the results of the consultation and this will be fed back to and discussed within Police and Government circles as the Christian reaction to violent crime in our streets."

Kerridge concluded: "We need as robust a survey response as possible.

"I would like to ask all members of the Christian community that have not already completed the survey to do so - it is important Government hears the Christian voice and total confidentiality is assured."

For more information and to take part in the survey please visit: www.premier.org.uk