Kids are apparently being told to go to school wearing body armour by their mums and dads who are concerned about increasing violence on the streets.

A company, this year, has flogged 50 stab and bulletproof vests for youngsters.

VestGuard UK provides the MoD and law enforcement with jackets retailing up to £450.

In the past it received just a small number of calls a year from relatives.

Sales director Shaun Ward stated to the Mirror newspaper that some telephoned after their children had experienced occurrences with knife gangs.

He said: "They phone us as a last resort. They are pouring their hearts out asking 'what can we do?'."

Five teenagers have passed away in cases of knife or gun crime in London since last month.