Council and community leaders call for calm

Published 8 August 2011

The father of Damilola Taylor, Richard Taylor OBE, has called on those causing serious disorder in Southwark to respect their community.

It follows an evening of violent disturbance in the borough and across London.

Councillor Peter John, the leader of Southwark Council, has also called the behaviour of those involved as 'senseless'.

Richard Taylor, OBE, said:

"I am calling on the youth of Southwark to stop the violence. In Damilola's memory I implore them to respect their community and show calm. Whatever their grievance, this wanton destruction is unacceptable."

Earlier Cllr Peter John, leader of Southwark Council, had condemned the violence. He said:

"We absolutely condemn the violence that has taken place in Southwark and call for calm. There is absolutely no justification for such behaviour and we ask residents to stay away from the affected area. We are working with the police to attempt to restore order and will work closely with the wider community, the overwhelming majority of whom would condemn these acts of senseless violence. It is important for the whole community that we all pull together now and in the days ahead."

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