A man got shot by the police during an operation to reduce gun crime in the city under still unclear circumstances. Though police started an investigation the local people went out to protest in the streets. At first this was a peaceful protest with some police presence. It was only when a rumour spread that a teenage girl was hit/pushed/knocked down by a police man that the protest turned violent.

From that point on the shit hit the fan, since Sunday riots spread to other (mostly low income) neighbourhoods of London and even, reportedly, other cities (Birmingham). As numerous other cases of such sudden social unrest the violence is likely driven by a much broader and deeper problems - unemployment, poverty, boredom, etc. The protesters are overwhelmingly young, with the majority being black but other ethnicities were also taking part.

As it stands, there is a large police presence, lots of burnt out cars, smashed and looted shops and houses, and general disarray. Considering UK's financial situation, as well as the turmoil in the markets, this is not good for anyone, especially for the lower class people doing the rioting.