Twelve members of a violent east London gang who targeted and robbed pensioners in Redbridge have been sentenced to a total of 38 years imprisonment.

A 15-year-old boy from Ilford along with nine others from Redbridge were charged with seven counts of conspiracy to rob on Tuesday at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Hollybush Hill, Snaresbrook.

The court heard how the gang would target vulnerable and elderly victims by placing one of their members inside a targeted high street bank who waited for their potential victim.

Once outside the victim would be set upon in broad daylight by the teenagers who would escape with the cash.

The series of robberies occurred between March 21 and July 4 last year in and around Ilford Town Centre, Gants Hill and Newbury Park.

The gang’s planned approach to each incident allowed them to steal nearly �10,000.

Sgt Chris Galpin, of the Ilford Robbery Squad, who led the investigation, said: “This was a gang of vicious and cowardly young men, who deliberately targeted the elderly and vulnerable, subjecting them to violent attacks in order to steal.

“The streets of Redbridge are a safer place without them. I hope these sentences will deter others from getting involved in gangs and crime.”

Among those sentenced was Meshack Reid, 19, of Perrymans Farm Road, Newbury Park, who received four years and six months imprisonment and Jordy Mantezolo, 18, of Tine Road, Hainault who pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to rob and received five years and six months.

Nine of the gang members, aged under 18, were sentenced to a total of 31 years imprisonment.

Jason Asagba, 18, of Rochford Avenue, Romford, also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to rob and he was sentenced to three years imprisonment.

Det Insp Craig Robinson added: “I would like to pay tribute to the victims and witnesses who came forward and gave evidence. Without their courage and determination to do the right thing, these youths would not have been convicted of these serious offences.”