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The competition has been sponsored by the local housing association and Pinnacle Housing, which has contributed toward some modest prizes of HMV tokens for the 8-16 year-olds and £100 for the winner of the adult competition. A youth club worker has lent his projector, several police offers have donated consoles and TVs.

So what's the idea behind the event? It's simple; games are seen as a great way of breaking down barriers between young people and the police.

"The area in Hackney that I work has suffered a disproportionately high volume of crime and anti-social behaviour," explains one of the organisers, community support officer Nunu Miah. "Our particular current concern is serious youth violence. We have made a concerted effort over the last six months to reduce this and most importantly engage with the local Youths. As you can probably imagine, this is paramount but is proving problematic. A lot of the kids join gangs, but they won't talk to us about it. We're hoping this is a way to open communications. We want to let them know we're here to help them."

The officers have publicised the competition in person, approaching kids where they congregate, usually around the Gilpin Square shopping centre; they're expecting around 60-70 competitors in the younger age group and 35 in the over-16s band. If it's a success, there are plans to run a similar event in the nearby Kingsmead Estate, and then other areas across Hackney.

Can videogames play a role in building stronger relations between the police and youngsters vulnerable to gang-related violence? It's a heartening thought - two demonised cultures, together in a positive story. I wonder if the Daily Mail are sending a reporter?