Police yesterday matched the ferocity of London mobs with a well coordinated and better strategies, which enabled them to respond appropriately to copycat criminal activity across London, as they deployed officers to tackle it.
The riots which on the surface gave the impression of avenging the death of Mark Dunggan, 29, saw looting in a number of boroughs in north, east and south London by small and mobile groups. Groups of youths continue to attack police officers and a number of police vehicles have been damaged.
Vigilance learnt that three officers have been taken to hospital after being hit by a fast moving vehicle at approx 00:45hrs. The officers were said to be in the process of making arrests in Chingford Mount, Waltham Forest, in connection with youths looting a shop. Two officers are believed to have superficial injuries and the other has an injury to his knee.
Earlier yester night in Walthamstow Central, more than 30 youths, many in masks, vandalised and looted a number shops including BHS. Officers attended the area and the situation is currently under control. Groups of youths are continuing to target shops in Waltham Forest and officers are on scene.
Also, our Intelligence and Policing Team gathered that in Brixton there has been disorder and looting, adding LFB are dealing with a fire at Footlocker on Brixton High Road.
A police source said rival gangs attended Kings College Hospital after two victims of minor stabbings were admitted resulting in a fight. The hospital has brought in additional security for the remainder of the night and officers remain on scene dealing with the initial stabbings.
Another battle ground for the London youth madness was Enfield Town Centre and surrounding areas, where the disorder had been contained. Resources are in the area and the High Street remains cordoned off to contain the disorder.
The police statement said approximately 50 youths congregated in Oxford Circus with officers attending the area to bring the situation under control.
Vigilance learnt that in Islington there were reports of a group causing a disturbance and a police vehicle windscreen was smashed, whilst a Tesco store in Ponders End was vandalised and items were stolen.
As a result of quick and decisive action by police numerous arrests have been made at various locations.
Commander Christine Jones said: "This is a challenging situation with small pockets of violence, looting and disorder breaking out on a number of boroughs. We have deployed units across London and continue to move quickly to deal with any reports of criminality as soon as possible.”
Capturing vividly the risk her men are taking to keep London safe, Cmdr Jones disclosed: "Officers are once again putting themselves in harm's way to arrest those responsible and prevent further crimes. I am proud of their dedication and bravery.”
Cmdr Jones who was unsparing in condemning the madness concluded: "I, along with the vast majority of Londoners, condemn this mindless criminality. It serves no purpose and only results in the destruction people's livelihoods and communities."
