Here we go (aka UK riots thread)

[Loyal White]

They're doing it because they can. It's that simple.

[General Mannerheim]

Cant see what good the army will do, its not like theyre gonna start shooting people is it!? Theres gonna be an extra 10,000 riot police in town tonight (leaving their own city's a bit vulnerable imo) i cant see what they're gonna do either, but its not going to be pretty, probably looting replaced with running street battles instead? i really dont know what the answer is?

I also fear the next thing will be vigilante groups emerging, EDL etc that will go toe to toe with the rioters and the police spreading even more mayhem.

its fecking crackers!

[General Mannerheim]

this is pretty fckng grim... Rioters steal from bleeding boy http://youtu.be/6Gex_ya4-Oo" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[CrazyHorse]

this is pretty fckng grim... Rioters steal from bleeding boy http://youtu.be/6Gex_ya4-Oo" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That is fckin awful.

[Gravedigger]

Cant see what good the army will do, its not like theyre gonna start shooting people is it!? Theres gonna be an extra 10,000 riot police in town tonight (leaving their own city's a bit vulnerable imo) i cant see what they're gonna do either, but its not going to be pretty, probably looting replaced with running street battles instead? i really dont know what the answer is?

I also fear the next thing will be vigilante groups emerging, EDL etc that will go toe to toe with the rioters and the police spreading even more mayhem.

its fecking crackers!

Military are not going to be used for the foreseeable future as they are not currently trained in riot control and their size tens would just get in the way. Manchester has been pointed out as a possible next incident. Haringey shopkeepers have formed a vigilante group to protect their own businesses, though Argos and Peacocks in the nearby Arena shopping complex were looted. Hackney/Dalston, where I live when in London is feeling rumblings for another night. I'm off to Hockley in a while until it dies down. The police are toothless, the government spineless but good ol' Boris is giving us some laughs. The EDL/BNP mob will be rubbing their hands with glee at the prospect of thousands of new recruits. Hope you all stay safe.

[David Lee's Hair]

Do we still own St Helena?

[TANGODANCER]

News just reports somebody shot dead in a car in Croydon. It's all just a big lunatic assylum without bars. PM declares "This is criminality and it must be defeated" Shrewd observation Dave.

[Lofthouse Lower]

Our London offices have closed.

Fingers crossed for them.

[General Mannerheim]

not sure the Police are toothless, just realistic - they are massively outnumbered and they have no authority to use the necessary force anyway, so i doubt id bee keen to go wading in either, plus they have all seen thousands of their mates laid off in government cutbacks which is hardly good motivation either.

[TANGODANCER]

Nottingham and Bristol now added to the flare-up list.

[General Mannerheim]

Nottingham and Bristol now added to the flare-up list.

they were on the list last night. along with Liverpool, brum and salford - which is why im not thrilled about all these extra police abandoning their own patches to help London.

[Lofthouse Lower]

Been told to avoid Piccadilly Gardens after work - few people have said that things are being planned

[TANGODANCER]

Boris has arrived. All will be well. his first comment "Can you hear me at the back?"

[Gravedigger]

not sure the Police are toothless, just realistic - they are massively outnumbered and they have no authority to use the necessary force anyway, so i doubt id bee keen to go wading in either, plus they have all seen thousands of their mates laid off in government cutbacks which is hardly good motivation either.

I didn't mean they didn't have teeth in their mouths. I meant they are massively outnumbered and they have no authority to use the necessary force anyway. I think you have pointed out they are toothless.

[Bruce Rioja]

Well, I went into Rawtenstall for a butty at lunch. Nowt! Soft bastards.

[Lofthouse Lower]

[mummywhycantieatcrayons]

http://yfrog.com/kj5oewj" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ok, I am officially going soft, but seeing this photo of my home patch today almost brought a tear to me eye!

[Lofthouse Lower]

When was that taken? Can't be today - far too sunny

[mummywhycantieatcrayons]

When was that taken? Can't be today - far too sunny

About an hour ago I think. Bright sunshine out of my office window.

[TANGODANCER]

Oh dear. Boris getting cheered walking around Clapham Junction waving a green sweeping brush.