London Riots (ETA post #23: Brits, please sign the petition to axe rioters' benefits)

[Miss Z]

Apologies, Karen, if this is better suited to the Dog House.

As you have likely seen from news reports, there is currently terrible rioting occurring in the UK cities of London, Birmingham and Liverpool, but predominantly London.

Businesses and homes have been torched, police and bystanders attacked and injured, the violence is out of control.

I've just heard from friends, and recently on national radio, that riots have started up in Camden, the area of London I live in when at university. Some of the local entertainment industries, which Camden is famous for, have apparently been smashed up and possibly looted. I have an empty flat ready to be moved into this week in Camden. Can't say I'm not worried...

I also have a close friend, and flatmate, who lives in Lewisham, one of the worst hit areas. I'm waiting to hear from her and hope she is OK.

I've met so many people who turn their noses up at London and spent a year defending what a great place it is to live as a student... now I only feel a sorrow for the hellhole it is portraying itself as.

Please, Pet Talk, keep the people of London in your thoughts tonight as these riots continue.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14449675

[Karen]

We have been thinking of you, and hoping you and all you love are okay! Stay safe, Zara, and don't be afraid to run if trouble heads your way. Those long legs gotta be good for something, right? Better safe than sorry. Sending you hugs, stay away from the thugs!

[chocolatepuppy]

Thoughts and prayers going out to the people of London. Stay safe Zara.

[moosmom]

Zara,

You will be in my prayers, honey. Be safe and please let us know if your flatmate is okay.

and hugs,

Donna and fur crew

[Freedom]

I'm glad you posted, Zara, as I immediately thought of you, but wasn't sure if you were back at school yet.

With the Olympics coming up, this is really quite sad indeed. Folks have so much to be looking forward to, there.

And at least on our news, they can't quite figure out why all the anger. Yes, there was a police shooting, but the opportunists seem to have taken over.

[Asiel]

My friend sent me some pictures and a news video about this. I could hardly believe it, Britain is usually so laid back - but they have been having some trouble lately. I found this so sad , but terrifying also.

[Barbara]

I can't believe I have been in London last week from Thursday to Saturday and didn't notice a thing- of course it was Saturday when it all started. I think it is horrible- it happens in so many European cities: Paris, Copenhagen, London. Things are certainly difficult in the world right now.

[Miss Z]

Thank you, everyone. Thankfully, I am not in London for now, and am safe back home in Lancashire.

I'm so shocked that Camden, a town that I've really come to love, could have been the scene of such violence. I kept an eye on news reports last night into the early hours, and it seems police managed to contain it in the High Street at least, so as far as I know, no damage has been caused to the veterinary college, or further afield where my flat is situated.

My flatmate is safe, also. She managed to get home from work in central London in time before things really kicked off, and her family stayed indoors. She described how she could hear the police sirens and news helicopters for hours into the night.

The riots spread to other cities last night - Bristol and Nottingham have also had rioting and I've also heard from a few friends that things are beginning to get ugly in Manchester, which is a bit close to home, although nothing on the news about that yet.

Here is the latest report:

Rioting has spread across London on a third night of violence, with unrest flaring in other English cities.

An extra 1,700 police officers were deployed in London, where shops were looted and buildings were set alight.

Birmingham, Liverpool, Nottingham and Bristol also saw violence.
The prime minister has returned early from his holiday to discuss the unrest, which first flared on Saturday after a peaceful protest in Tottenham over the fatal shooting of a man by police.

At least 400 people have been arrested following a wave of "copycat criminal activity" across London over the past three days, the Met Police said. More than 69 people have been charged with various offences.

Three people are being questioned on suspicion of attempted murder after a police officer was injured by a car in Brent, north-west London, while trying to stop suspected looters.

Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Steven Kavanagh said it was a "shocking and appalling morning for London to wake up to".

"The Met was stretched beyond belief in a way that it has never experienced before," he told BBC Breakfast.

When asked at what stage he would consider bringing in the Army, he responded by saying "all options are being considered".

On Twitter, Scotland Yard said: "In the next 24 hours there will be 13,000 police officers on duty in London."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14450248

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I am just.... seething over this.

I actually feel embarassed of being British right now, or indeed, I should say English. We've shown that we've got a country full of morons. Looters have actually been using social networking sites to show off their plunder - I mean, how thick can you get?

The vast majority don't know what they're rioting for and have taken advantage of a cause they probably don't care about anyway.

May they all feel the back hand of the law.

[blue]

Wasnt the "victim" of the police shooting killed for shooting at the police?

[Medusa]

Zara, my friend Clare who lives in Essex but goes to university in London has been updating me on this. She's furious as well. You should feel no shame; it happens everywhere in every country, especially now. Having visited London last year for a couple of weeks, I can honestly say that it's a most wonderful city. I had the time of my life. We're just glad that you're safe.

[pomtzu]

The vids I was viewing on t.v. this morning, were shocking. The senseless destruction is almost beyond belief. Prayers for all those in harms way. Please stay safe Zara.

[happylabs]

I saw some of this on the news. It is shocking and very scary.

Let's all pray for peace.

[cassiesmom]

Please, Pet Talk, keep the people of London in your thoughts tonight as these riots continue.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14449675

Absolutely will do! London is such a wonderful city, it is very sad to see this happening.

[lvpets2002]

Yes I saw this on the news.. I am still confused of what started it all.. Sounds like to many young thuggss with too much time on their hands.. Yes it is all so sad buttt yet so disgusting..

[phesina]

I heard on the radio today that looters are bragging and showing off their hauls on social-media sites.

Marvels of modern technology! Barf.

Prayers and wishes that these disturbances are quelled soon.