« TOTTENHAM RIOTS 2011 - THE NEED FOR CHANGE »

By Esmond Francis

 

August the 6th 2011 saw a sad day for North London.  The area of Tottenham saw a confrontation between the Police and protesters which began outside Tottenham Police Station.  You may have heard the news of the reported shooting of Mark Duggan by the Metropolitan Police on Thursday 4th August.  While the incident was still fresh in the minds of the community there was to be a scheduled peaceful protest at Tottenham Police Station. 

 

The Parents of Mark Duggan demanded answers from the Police about the shooting which involved the loss of their son.  It is reported that there was no communication between the Police and the deceased Family for over 5hrs following the shooting.  Taking this into account along with the loss of Mark in these circumstances fuelled their need to protest.  A peaceful protest was arranged for the 6th August. 

 

It's unclear at this stage what sparked the riot but it resulted in 29 injuries most being police, petrol bombs were thrown, vehicles were burned including a bus and police cars and homes and buildings were damaged. So far there has been a reported 50 arrests. Reports suggested that up to 1,000 people were involved.

 

Like many major boroughs Tottenham in North London is an area with serious social and economic problems. The whole United Kingdom is affected by a high unemployment, lack of youth programmes, crime, gangs, drugs and the local black community is suffering particularly high youth crime.  In addition you have a situation where relations between the Police and the community have a history of mistrust (Broadwater Farm Riots October 1985).

 

The following morning was subdued.  Local residents came out to observe the destruction and some to pick through the remainder of their belongings.  The fire brigade were still on the ground putting out fires.  People were distressed at what had happened. 

 

There are much wider issues here.  "Young people that never worked and its not because they don't want to work.  The council cuts to youth programmes have really effected the community.  The community feel that they have no voice.  The Police and authorities don't listen to what we have been saying for years." Sonia from Tottenham

 

This situation highlights the need for money to be pumped back into the community youth programmes.  Authorities need to empower the elders of the community to develop programmes that work and that the youth will respond to.  There are no easy answers of solutions.  Until the human race learns that it's about kindness, understanding and mercy we will have a repeat of this all over the world.

 

Investigations are currently ongoing.

Update on 07,08,2011 by Daz