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Youth worker turned film director tells how throat-slash pupil inspired County Lines movie

<p>Henry Blake drew on experience as a youth worker for new film County Lines</p> (Film handout)

Henry Blake drew on experience as a youth worker for new film County Lines

(Film handout)

Director Henry Blake drew on his 11-year experience as a youth worker at a pupil referral unit in east London for new film County Lines.

The gritty British film, released in cinemas and on digital platforms on Friday, exams the £1billion-a-year drug trade where young people are sent around the country to deal drugs.

Blake told how a 15-year-old boy he mentored went missing for three weeks and came back to the area with his throat slashed by his own criminal network.

Blake, 35, said: “We had no idea where he was but he survived.

“I sat down with him and he said he’d been to Aberdeen. For me, that was really disturbing. He was a really good kid, talented and popular but quite reserved.

<p>Henry Blake’s debut film is out now in cinemas and on digital platforms </p>Film handout: County Lines

Henry Blake’s debut film is out now in cinemas and on digital platforms

Film handout: County Lines

“Unfortunately, in the social care sector, child sexual abuse, domestic violence and poverty are standard issues.

“But when you’re dealing with a young person having their throat slashed, it’s a real lightbulb moment.”

Blake’s first film tells the brutal story of a Tyler Hughes, 14, who lives with his mother and sister in east London and is groomed by a dealer buying him burgers and trainers.

A recent City Hall report identified 3,290 individuals being exploited to transport drugs from London to 41 smaller towns and cities, although Mr Blake thinks the figure is higher. He worked with one ten-year-old.

Researchers say a third of 18 to 24-year-olds have lost their jobs or been furloughed, a disproportionate economic impact that could push some closer to the drugs trade to generate income.

Mr Blake added: “I felt like the stories of people like Tyler and their trauma was not being recognised.

“They are being put on as drug dealers, problems and difficult. I’m not saying they’re perfect but they are children at the end of the day exploited by ruthless criminal networks.

“What I was seeing was really damaged and vulnerable young people, although most of the general public would view them as hood rats.”

County Lines will be released in cinemas and on BFI Player and Curzon Home Cinema on December 4.

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