TEACHERS, nurses, police and social workers could soon be given a legal duty to treat violent crime like a disease.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid wants officials to take a “public health” approach to the issue in an effort to cut rampant gun and knife crime.

He will say youngsters at risk should be identified and actively diverted away from gangs and criminality whenever possible.

Mr Javid will unveil a £200million “youth endowment fund” for ten to 14-year-olds to get mentoring and counselling.

He is expected to announce the ten-year “statutory duty” plan in his speech at the Tory Party conference next week.

The Government plans to look at “risk factors” such as truancy, school exclusion, domestic violence and gang membership.

Police and social workers could also look at other influences, such as parents who have been convicted of a crime.