Now & Then

The Liverpool Echo normally likes to suggest that criminal gangs in Liverpool are a relatively recent phenomenon (from the 70s onwards, say), & that there really were The Good Old Days. It's therefore surprising, & refreshing, to come across this Echo feature on local writer Mick Macilwee & his new book, Tearaways. More Gangs of Liverpool:1890-1970:
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/04/07/liverpool-gangs-our-history-of-violence-100252-20729885/ .
The book recalls some horrific cases from the late 30s & early 40s which were every bit as disturbing & distressing as the James Bulger & Rhys Jones cases. It also reveals the level of gang warfare in the north end of Liverpool (inevitably centred around the docks) between the once notorious "High Rip" gang & the "Logwood" outfit.
The activities of the "High Rip" gang are also mentioned at the Liverpool-Historical Timeline site (http://bdaugherty.tripod.com/liverpool/history.html ).