London School of Economics (LSE) and Guardian release findings on summer riots

A social research inquiry by the London School of Economics (LSE) and the Guardian has found that widespread anger at people's treatment at the hands of police was a significant factor behind the summer riots in every major city where disorder took place.

'Blazing fire The ‘Reading the Riots’' study, funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Open Society Foundations, is the only research into the riots that has involved interviews with hundreds of people who participated in the disorder.

In its first phase, the study interviewed people who were directly involved in the riots in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Salford, Liverpool and Nottingham. 85 per cent of those interviewed said policing was an important or very important factor in why the riots happened.

The findings from the first phase of the study were, to some extent, contrary to widespread speculation. The basis of the study was in-depth, primarily qualitative interviews with rioters. The aim of this aspect of the study was to understand who had been involved in the riots and what their motivations were, together with a considered analysis of the role of gangs and of social media'.

The second phase of Reading the Riots, which will be completed next year, will draw on interviews with communities, police and judges about their experience of the disturbances and their aftermath.

Click here to find out more about the study on the LSE website
Click here to find out more about the report on the Joseph Rowntree Foundation website