Riots - Government and rioters must accept responsibility

Dreadful news about the situation across the country. I worked in West Croydon for over 15 years, and drove through Ealing only the day before riots returning from a London break. It was heartbreaking to see Croydon on fire and deeply concerning to hear that residents were left to their own devices to evacuate their burning flats situated above a furniture store. They were lucky to escape with their lives. People who have very little have now lost everything they had.

It is understandable that some people feel disengaged with their community but the unacceptable behaviour, attacking home owners, terrorising by-standers and local residents, retailers, business people and even a public bus is criminal and the attack on local communities is unforgiveable.

Draconian Coalition Government cuts have led to a reduction in police officers and fire officers and fire engines. As our public services are struggling to cope, we can only hope that events do not escalate further and community leaders should examine the risk of such an occurance in our own community. The Government should recognise some responsibility for those who feel socially excluded and have "nothing to lose". Regardless, everyone involved in what looks like opportunist criminal attacks on other vulnerable people must carry their own personal responsibility for their actions and face the consequences for what they have done.