Commander David Musker with students at London South East Colleges Bromley Campus.
A Met Police commander visited a Bromley college with a warning for students that knife crime is a harsh reality these days with children aged just eight involved.
Commander Dr David Musker was at London South East Colleges' Bromley Campus.
He was there to deliver a number of important messages to students regarding knife crime and gang culture.
More than 100 students were there to hear his concerns about a disturbing rise in violent crime and its causes.
He said: "It may look attractive, cool, and exciting at first.
"Boys and even some girls as young as just eight or nine are being groomed into carrying out fairly routine tasks such as delivering packages for gangs, hiding firearms or other such illegal items.
"This eventually leads to being required to carry out much more sinister business for the gang's leaders. The failure to do so can result in very unpleasant circumstances.
He went on: "Inevitably, one thing leads to another. You are drawn in by a promise of money and material possessions, a more extravagant lifestyle, notoriety and power.
"You will drive nice cars, become respected and even feared by your peers. The truth, however, is somewhat different.
"I have seen some of the toughest and most egotistical young guys resort to breaking down and crying when they are handed very long sentences for their actions. That moment of realisation - 'this was never part of the plan' when a judge hands them a 15-year prison sentence.
Sports science student Craig Williams, 17, said after the lecture: "I've learnt more than I ever thought I would.
And health and social care student, Kayleigh Leonard, 17, who wants to work with children in care when she graduates from her course, said: "Statistically, children in care are more likely to be in care because of domestic abuse and are far more likely to become embroiled in a life of crime than any other group. Dr Musker actually mentioned this as part of his lecture.