CHAPTER 3 - The riots: perceptions and distortions

Abstract

The 1981 Brixton riots were not a rebellion in the sense of an organized attempt to overthrow the lawful government, for they were an unpremeditated outburst of anger and resentment against the police in a context of social and economic deprivation. Although Lord Scarman stressed that nothing could justify or excuse “the terrifying lawlessness of the crowds,” he found that reforms and improvements are necessary. In April 1982, one year after the Brixton riots, a conference was held at the University of Leicester to consider Lord Scarman's diagnoses and prescriptions. This chapter discusses Lord Scarman's perceptions, the riots in Liverpool 8, and how the facts were distorted in the media. Lord Scarman describes how the first disorder began on Friday 10 April 1981 after a police constable had tried to stop and then help a black youth. This seemingly minor incident sparked off an hour-long riot, which led to a hastily-convened meeting between the police and local community leaders, including George Greaves. Lord Scarman was able to piece together a detailed and graphic account of the April riots only after hearing the statements of many different observers. The first disorders in July occurred in Southall. This confrontation on Friday 3 July 1981 was initially between white skinheads and young Asians, although the police quickly became embroiled. Petrol bombs were used, some 20 arrests were made, and about 130 police and members of the public were injured. That same night, in the Liverpool 8 area of Merseyside, an apparently minor incident occurred when police chased a young black man on a motorcycle. This was the spark that set off rioting in Toxteth from 3 to 6 July. The worst violence took place on the Saturday night when the police officers suffered a concerted attack of terrible ferocity.