London Riots - Part 1

From The Daily What:

Riots erupted in the North London area of Tottenham last night, ostensibly over the recent shooting of 29-year-old Mark Duggan by the Metropolitan Police near Tottenham Hale station.

Duggan was reportedly a target of an ongoing police investigation into gun crime in London’s black communities, and was shot after allegedly firing on a Specialist Firearms Command officer with an illegal handgun.

A protest march organized by family and friends of Duggan turned violent after a rumor that police officers assaulted a teenage girl caused longstanding tensions to boil over. Many shops were looted and vehicles were set on fire, including two police cars and a double-decker bus. Several buildings sustained heavy damage after being petrol bombed by the rioters.

Duggan’s family said they did not condone the actions of the rioters and his brother asked that they refrain from “mak[ing] this about my brother’s life.”

When all was said and done, 55 people had been arrested, 29 were injured (26 officers and 3 others) and the London Fire Brigade had put out a total of 49 fires. All injured persons have since been released from hospital; the arrested remain in custody under various charges.

The Met has launched an investigation into the riot, and are asking anyone with information on those involved to get in touch. Police are also warning locals against “ill-informed speculation” posted on social networking sitesconcerning nascent riot activity taking place tonight in other parts of London. Additional rioting was reported in Wood Green and Enfield Town, where youths reportedly smashed store windows and attacked a police car.

More here.

Peace and Love,

The Rebellion Magazine