A 26-year-old man who was shot in a car just south of London in Croydon during this week’s disturbances has become the first fatality in the riots sweeping Britain this week, the Jerusalem Post is reporting. Official details about the shooting have yet to be released by police.
The news of the shooting comes after hundreds of protesters and police officers have been injured since violence started on Sunday, August 7. Public demands to use firmer action against rioters have grown, and as a result, police have stated they may use baton rounds with non-lethal rubber or plastic bullets. But “That’s a tactic that will be used by the Metropolitan police if deemed necessary,” Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stephen Kavanagh has said. He added that police expected more mass disorder as the week continues.
In response to the three consecutive nights of riots and violence in London, British Prime Minister David Cameron said he will recall the British parliament from its Summer recess. He added that he may deploy more than 16,000 police officers into the city.
Speaking to reporters outside of his Downing Street office after he cut his annual vacation short to return to Britain, Cameron added “This is criminality pure and simple. People should be in no doubt that we will do everything necessary to restore order to Britain’s streets.”
Written by: Karen Benardello
