London today was left counting the coast of the damage caused by a night of rioting which followed a peaceful demonstration over the police shooting of local man Mark Duggan. Pictured above this family had a lucky escape when they had to run for their lives after fire spread to their property in Tottenham.

Flyer Newspaper was amongst the very first to gain access behind police lines to view the damage caused by widespread rioting in Tottenham last night. Some people may find these scenes distressing.

Flyer’s field reporter Mark Weir said: “Some local people believed that it was a culmination of factors which equally shaped the violent outcome today which is set to cost the borough millions of pounds of damage.

Rioters from all backgrounds united against what they perceived was excessive police brutality. In short they simply didn’t believe the police’s version of events surrounding the premature death of Mark Duggan.”

During the riots eight policeman were reported injured, whilst shops and businesses were looted. TV Networks were also singled out for showing live pictures of rioters on one broadcast channels.

Some photographers were also attacked and had their equipment either seized or destroyed. As the riot escalated demonstrators set fires sporadically across the neighbourhood but by daybreak Police had control of the area.

Speaking to Flyer News a demonstrators said: “Tension has been brewing here from time, It’s not just about the death of Duggan t is also about cuts to youth services and heavy handed police tactics.”

Mark a trainee solicitor in Bruce Grove said: “I have a wife and child upstairs and they are terrified. What am I supposed to do? Whilst I can understand there is a need to make a stand, this is wrong on so many levels’.

Maria said: “It is unfair to label this riot as supported by the community. The rioting was carried out by a minority of groups from different racial backgrounds. Clearly there has been a severe break in communications between young people and authority.”   

At the time of posting trouble had spread to neighboring areas including widespred looting at Woodgreen.

Whilst Labour Party leader Edd Milliband addressed hundreds of thousands of peaceful demonstrators in London’s Hyde Park, Metropolitan Police fought running battles with hundreds of splinter group demonstrators in the streets around central London.

The violent clashes appeared to be well coordinated and at times the Metropolitan police were vastly out numbered. Protestors pelted the police with Ammonia, Paint balls, Golf Balls, Dustbins and pretty much anything else that could be thrown. Police snatch squads became the target of frustrated demonstrators some of which were seriously injured in the commotion.

Missing from these clashes were police on horseback. “They appear to be holding back during the daylight hours.” said a seasoned demonstrator.

A press photographer injured after he was hit by a golf ball said: “A minority of the demonstrations were prepared for trouble. They were armed with paint, ammonia and fireworks. The person next to me was hit in the face with some form of explosive device, there was blood everywhere.”

As the crowd surged forward in Piccadilly Circus the police were forced to retreat, tourists and shoppers ran for cover.

Other breakaway groups targeted establishments which included the Ritz, HSBC, Santander, Lloyds, and Top Shop. High Street store Fortnam & Mason was also occupied by some demonstrators.

Piccadilly Circus became a sterile area with a police and demonstrator stand-off lasting several hours.

A statement from Scotland Yard read: Throughout the day there have been a total of 211 arrests for a variety of offences including public order offences, criminal damage, aggravated trespass and violent disorder. All are currently in custody at various London police stations.

In total there have been 66 reported injuries over the course of the day, including 13 police officers.

The English Defence League (EDL) plummeted to new depths today by parading several of their new recruits. They had hoped that by including a few deluded Black and Asian recruits they could somehow convince the public that they are no-longer considered a racist organisation and an extra arm of the British National Party.

The planned demonstration coincided with the controversial visit to England of Dutch far right extremist Gert Wilders who reportedly described the Koran as a fascist book.

Arriving in Parliament square at 3.30pm the EDL were confronted by over 300 anti fascist demonstrators. Police funnelled them onto a small grassy verge for their own protection and the opposing sides traded insults.

Mark Weir, reporter at the scene said: “The EDL supporters appeared to have changed their tactics since the violent demonstrations in Luton, Harrow and Birmingham. However their  attempts to convince the public into believing that they are not just a party simply made-up of racist football thugs is unlikely to have been achieved today. They were out-numbered and given a police escort for there own protection.

Sensing that the anti-fascist demonstrators had gained the upper-hand the EDL could only counter with chants such as “England for English….and ban the Burka…”

When this didn’t work two dejected looking black and Asian youth’s were hoisted onto the shoulders of two stocky looking EDL individuals for an impromptu photocal.

This despicable act by individuals hell-bent on using every tool at their disposal in an attempt to be seen as a legitimate organisation should be viewed as warning to minority communities living in Britain.

In the run-up to the general election these thugs will stop at nothing in their attempts to achieve a non inclusive Britain. Minority communities should be vigilant.” said Mark Weir.