- Telephone (24 Hours)
020 7923 4020 - Emergency Hotline 020 7275 2036
- Mental Health
Solicitors Helpline
0203 114 1124
Legal News
Date: 08/12/2011 |
Total Comments: () | Add Comments
An anti-police sentiment was one of the main factors to contribute to the breakout of rioting across England in August, a study has claimed. A joint study, conducted by the London School of Economics and the Guardian newspaper, collated the thoughts of 270 rioters. Of the respondents, 85 per cent claimed that anger at policing practices was a motivation to riot. The Association of Chief Police Officers has stated its lack of surprise at hearing the findings of the study but claimed that August served to demonstrate the ability of the police to restore order. Four consecutive nights of activity relating to civil unrest in August led to the arrest of more than 4,000 individuals. Riots initially broke out in Tottenham, north London, following the shooting by police of Mark Duggan. The civil unrest quickly spread across other English cities. Rioters hailing from London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Nottingham, Salford and Manchester were interviewed for the study. Of the 270 rioters interviewed, around 30 have been arrested by police for their involvement in the civil unrest. Many respondents admitted that they had stolen, claiming that the civil unrest had presented them with the chance to gain “free stuff”. Of the 270 individuals interviewed, 85 per cent claimed that policing was either an “important” or “very important” factor in causing the riots. Respondents told of how they felt frustrated at their day-to-day interactions with members of the police. Duncan Lewis’ criminal law department is able to assist individuals who have been arrested by the police. Their criminal law solicitors can provide legal representation at courts of law and police stations across the UK.