MONTREAL - Experts say they don't think a war is brewing between street gangs and the Italian Mafia, despite the recent slaying of the eldest son of a jailed Montreal Mob boss.

Reprisals are expected following the shooting death of Nicolo Rizzuto Jr., son of Vito Rizzuto, the reputed head of the Italian Mafia.

Speculation is rife that street gangs were behind the killing.

There has also been a string of Molotov cocktail attacks against mostly Italian cafes in Montreal.

But Michael Chettleburgh, a Canadian street-gang expert, says he doesn't expect a full-out war in Montreal.

Chettleburgh says longtime gangs are growing across the country and want to play a larger role.

He says they recognize that wars are bad for business.