Police battled to restore order Sunday as rioters went on the rampage in north London, torching vehicles and buildings amid widespread looting after the fatal shooting by police of a local man.
Eight police officers were injured in the violence and taken to hospital. At least one has a head injury.
The mayhem, which broke out in Tottenham just before sunset Saturday, followed a protest over the death of a 29-year-old man during an apparent exchange of gunfire with police.
The demonstration had been a peaceful rally outside the police station on Tottenham High Road before two police cars were attacked with petrol bombs and set ablaze.
A public double-decker bus was then torched as the violence rapidly spread, with gangs of hooded youths descending on the area.
The situation raged out of control as hundreds ran amok, setting shops and other vehicles on fire.
There was concern that the unrest was being fuelled by rapid posts on social media inciting others to join in.
Central London has seen student and trade union protests turn ugly in the last 12 months but this outbreak of rioting is the worst seen in years in the suburbs.
Under a hail of missiles and petrol bombs, riot officers and mounted police battled to regain control of the streets and escort fire crews safely through to tackle the series of blazes.
Rioters kicked in windows as shops were looted, with people pushing away shopping trolleys full of stolen goods.
“It’s really bad,” local resident David Akinsanya told BBC television. “There seems to be a lot of anger in Tottenham tonight.”
Shortly before dawn, police said the situation had calmed on the High Road but officers were still responding to pockets of trouble flaring up elsewhere in the area.
Police were unable to give a count of the buildings and vehicles torched.
No arrests were reported as police said restoring public safety was their first priority.
“These are very distressing scenes for Londoners,” police commander Stephen Watson said.
“It’s important we emphasise that the safety of the public is of paramount importance to us … Our absolute aim is to restore normality.”
