Presenter: ‘This is the BBC news at three o’clock … and we’re now hearing that a sixth person has died in the riots. Police say a man in his early twenties suffered a heart attack when he was crushed by a mob of youths as they tried to gain access to a supermarket in Birmingham.
‘The Home Secretary has described the fatalities as tragic and senseless. And he’s condemned all those involved in the disturbances.’
Home Secretary: ‘Those causing trouble are not legitimate protesters. They’re criminals who are intent on causing as much harm as possible. They should be ashamed of themselves.’
Presenter: ‘The Home Secretary’s remarks prompted one community leader to say that the police and politicians should share responsibility for what is happening. Lionel Robson was speaking an hour ago while standing outside a blazing restaurant near his home in Tottenham.’
Community Leader: ‘We’ve been warning the authorities for years that this was going to happen. But they did sod all about it. Too many people have been treated like dirt for far too long, especially ethnic minorities here in London. Most of those who’ve taken to the streets are not causing wilful damage. They’re just trying to make a point.’
Presenter: ‘The first of our live reports now from Lewis Forbes in Stratford …’