LONDON — The family of a man shot dead by police in north London told Sky News today they do not condone last night’s rioting in Tottenham that saw 26 police officers injured.
Hours of violence saw around 300 people battle police in north London last night and into the early hours today.
Residents told Sky News they were in fear for their lives as shops were looted, police cars and a bus were set alight and petrol bombs were thrown at officers. Twenty-six policemen were injured with eight officers — one suffering head injuries — taken to the hospital. They have all since been discharged.
Meanwhile, 48 people have been arrested for offenses including violent disorder, burglary and theft.
The violence erupted after more than 100 people staged a vigil for Mark Duggan, a 29-year-old father-of-four who died on Thursday after he was shot by police.
In an exclusive interview with Sky News, Shaun Hall, the older brother of Duggan called for an end to the violence, saying he did not want any rioting carried out in his brother’s name.
“The family’s devastated. We don’t want Mark portrayed as some kind of gangster. He was a family man,” he said.
“We’re not condoning any kind of actions like (the rioting) at all. I know people are frustrated, they’re angry out there … but I would say, please try to hold it down.”
The area at the center of the disorder has been sealed off in Tottenham High Road, where the crowd set fire to buildings, vehicles, and a local supermarket.
Violence escalated shortly after dark, when protesters set fire to two police cars and a double decker bus.
London Metropolitan Police Commander Adrian Hanstock said, “The death of Mark Duggan was absolutely regrettable.
“A peaceful demonstration was hijacked by a small number of a criminal element, that used that event for their own gain.”
Downing Street also issued a statement condemning the violence as “utterly unacceptable.”
A family friend of Duggan, who gave her name only as Nikki, 53, said the man’s friends and relatives had organized the protest because “something has to be done” and the marchers wanted “justice for the family.”
Some of those involved lay in the road to make their point, she said.
“They’re making their presence known because people are not happy,” she added. “This guy was not violent. Yes, he was involved in things but he was not an aggressive person. He had never hurt anyone.”
A fireman looks as water is being sprayed at a burnt-out pub in Tottenham, north London, following riots sparked by the death of a local man by police. CLICK FOR MORE PHOTOS (AFP/Getty Images)