Protests, riots in London after black man dies in police custody

  • 30/07/2017
Rashan Charles protet
Many protested peacefully during the day. Photo credit: Reuters

The family of a black man who died in custody in East London is calling for peace.

Twenty-year-old Rashan Charles was pursued and apprehended by an officer last week. He died shortly afterwards.

The death sparked a night of rioting as protestors made barricades and hurled bottles and fireworks at police.

A family spokesman told the crowd "burning down your own homes and burning down your neighbourhood is not going to give you justice".

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating what led to Mr Charles' death.

"The disorder of last night was separate from the peaceful protest at Stoke Newington Police Station that was held earlier that day," said Det Supt Claire Crawley.

"Thankfully, nobody was seriously injured, but there was inconvenience to local residents and road users and damage caused to vehicles, a cash machine and a number of windows.

"We will always support the right to lawful protest but behaviour such as that seen last night cannot be tolerated."

One teenager was arrested.

Mr Charles death comes a month after another young black man, Edson Da Costa, died after being apprehended by police. His death is also being investigated by the police watchdog.

Newshub.