Police alert for summer riots as gangs plan disturbances

Riot police were called to a disturbance in Hyde Park last week
Nigel Howard
Matt Watts25 July 2016
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Scotland Yard officers are on alert over possible gang clashes at public events in London next month.

Officers have reportedly been told that gangs plan to hijack a march on August 6 to commemorate the death of Mark Duggan, whose shooting by police five years ago sparked widespread civil unrest.

There are further fears gang violence could mar the Notting Hill Carnival over the August bank holiday weekend.

Notting Hill Carnival is to be held as tensions escalate between local groups. Eleven people were arrested in Ladbroke Grove in the early hours of Friday morning after a disturbance at which several weapons were seized.

The warnings come after a series of violent incidents rocked the capital last week where five police officers were injured as trouble flared at unlicensed gatherings in Hyde Park, Stamford Hill and Burgess Park.

London riots: Violence in Tottenham in 2011 
PA

All police leave was cancelled for the four days leading up to this weekend with extra officers placed on patrol across the capital.

Officers are now said to be investigating claims that a march through Tottenham to mark the fifth anniversary of Mr Duggan’s death could become a catalyst for unrest.

London Riots 2011 - In pictures

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A police source told the Times that Met officers had been warned over possible violence at the Mark Duggan anniversary march on August 6.

The Met has not commented on the claims.

Riot police in Oxford Street during last week's disturbances
Nigel Howard

A flyer being circulated by campaign groups Tottenham Rights and the Mark Duggan Justice Campaign says the day of “action, remembrance and community healing” will end with a protest outside Tottenham Police Station.

Detectives investigating last week’s outbreak of violence in Hyde Park, which saw around 4,000 youths fight running battles with police, have arrested eight teenagers suspected of later storming McDonald’s restaurant in Marble Arch.

Five girls aged between 15 and 17 and three boys aged 16 to 18 were arrested and bailed to dates in September.

Police have released a further CCTV eight images of people wanted for questioning over the disorder, which saw crowds vault the counter and steal food as terrified staff hid in the basement.

Police are appealing for information on 020 8785 8244 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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