Children aged seven take part in London riots

Children aged seven take part in London riots

Children were seen throwing stones at policemen. Pic from www.thesun.co.ukChildren aged SEVEN joined in the orgy of mob violence and destruction that engulfed Tottenham, London.

Saturday's savagery in North London, which has led to more than 100 arrests, caused 100million damage.And last night looting and violence spread to nearby Enfield and other areas across the capital.Earlier yesterday evening a gang of youths tried to smash their way into two high street shops in Enfield, which is a neighbouring borough to Tottenham. They also attacked a police car.Up to 300 rioters went on the rampage in Brixton. They torched a Foot Locker shop, tried to rip metal security shutters off a gold pawn shop and attempted to break into a Currys and a Halfords.Three cops were injured by missiles thrown by youths.In Chingford, East London, three officers were taken to hospital after being run down.In nearby Walthamstow more than 30 youths, many in masks, vandalised and looted a number of shops, including BHS.Around 50 youths gathered in Oxford Circus in central London and caused damage to property.A police vehicle was damaged after groups caused a disturbance in Islington, and goods were stolen from a Tesco store in Ponders End.Speaking this morning, Home Secretary Theresa May said: "Last night, police officers again put themselves in harm's way to protect Londoners and their property."Those responsible for the violence and looting will be made to face the consequences of their actions. Many have been arrested and further arrests will be made."Londoners have made clear that there are no excuses for violence, and I call on all members of local communities to work constructively with the police to help them bring these criminals to justice."One officer described the scene in Brixton as "a mini-Tottenham".One local, Mark Bray, 38, an IT consultant, said: "Pol! ice shou ld have seen this coming. There was a festival here yesterday, it is no surprise with Brixton and all its history that the mood has turned sour."The looting is pretty pathetic, to be honest - it doesn't do anyone any favours."Meanwhile, the police version of events at Thursday's shooting of dad-of-five Mark Duggan, 29, was challenged. They said he was shot after firing at a cop, who was saved by the bullet hitting his radio.
Video: Looting spreads across London
MORE than 100 people arrested following riots which began in Tottenham
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But tests on a bullet lodged in the radio are said to show it was police issue, not from the handgun Duggan was carrying.Last night Tottenham's police chief was on holiday, despite an alert over simmering anger after gun cops shot dead Duggan.Detective Chief Superintendent Sandra Looby decided not to cancel her break after talks with community leaders.She flew to Florida hours before protests over suspected gangster Duggan's death flared into riots and looting - the worst scenes since Tottenham's Broadwater Farm riots in 1985.Buildings, police cars and a double-decker bus were burnt - and 26 police were injured.Witness David Akinsanya, 46, said: "I saw kids as young as seven or eight running up the street with their faces covered."Angry locals had demanded a senior officer speak to them about Duggan. Protesters say they were told that Acting Commissioner Tim Godwin would talk to them.But it is understood he was unaware of such a promise and did not go.DCS Looby's deputy Chris Barclay was also on holiday - and the most senior officer who could then be found was a chief inspector.By the time he arrived it was too late, because Duggan's family had gone.Community leader Rev Nim Obunge said: "I told the police on Thursday something could happen."Mr Godwin had hopes of succeeding Sir Paul Stephenson as head of the Metropolitan Police.But a Whitehall source said last night: "Tim's chances are dead in the water."
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Following the fa! tal shoo ting, Borough Commander Sandra Looby worked through the night with colleagues from the local community."She then gave a full and thorough handover."It was claimed the crowd's mood became uglier after riot cops used batons and shields on a 16-year-old girl who threw a stone.
Doug Taylor, the leader of Enfield Council, said he believed disturbances there were linked to events in Tottenham.He said: "It's the day after and the police are hugely well organised in Tottenham, so maybe this was seen as the place to have a second night." - www.thesun.co.uk