This was enhanced by deindividuation or the power of anonymity where people who dressed the same and covered their faces may act more aggressively and show less self awareness and inhibition than they would otherwise.

Dr Hesketh added: Put simply, people feel a sense of liberation when running with a mob or being involved with a known street gang.

The Liverpool gang members he interviewed described wearing the same branded clothing, not only because it was a designer brand but also because they believed it made it more difficult for police to identify specific people from CCTV footage.

One young interviewee called it being blacked out, said Dr Hesketh. Being a gang member was also seen as a pathway to manhood in which they believed women were attracted to and excited by their bad boy image.

This reinforced perceptions that being part of a gang helps to fulfil masculine ideals, said Dr Hesketh.

He said any attempts to combat gang membership needs to address the experiences his research has uncovered.

One idea that emerged from my research, is to focus on the possible life-changing consequences of being injured through violence or being caught, he said.

During my interviews, several participants spoke of the shame, embarrassment and guilt they felt when confronted by police officers about gang-related, antisocial acts on the streets.

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Gangs adopt identical uniforms to stop CCTV cameras identifying them, study reveals - The Telegraph