Your Black World reports.
Petroleum bombs, “missiles” and massive looting were part of the scene during a major riot that begin in the streets of London on Saturday night. The violence began during a vigile for a man, Mark Duggan, who’d been killed by police. So far, 42 people were arrested and 26 officers were injured, according to police.
“The behavior by a criminal minority put police officers, fire brigade personnel and the public at significant risk,” Cmdr. Adrian Hanstock said in a statement.
Duggan was in a cab when he was killed on Thursday. Police say they stopped the cab to arrest him, and shots were then fired. The Police Comission declined to say who shot first. They also refused to say why the cab was stopped.
“The death of Mr. Duggan is extremely regrettable,” Hanstock said. “It is absolutely tragic that someone has died, but that does not give a criminal minority the right to destroy businesses” and “steal from their local community.”
During the riots, cars were burned, including those owned by police. Police officers were hit with bricks and bottles as they went into the crowd wearing riot gear. A double-decker bus was also set on fire.
Commissioner Hanstock said “there was no indication that the protest would deteriorate into the levels of criminal and violent disorder that we saw. We believe that certain elements, who were not involved with the vigil, took the opportunity to commit disorder and physically attack police officers, verbally abuse fire brigade personnel and destroy vehicles and buildings.”
Police also claim that they have “recovered excellent” surveillance video of what happened and ”those who committed disorder and criminal acts will be identified.”
Tottenham, the section of London where much of the rioting took place, is considered to be a “black” section of town because of the large number of Afro-Carribean residents. But the area is generally culturally diverse.
