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Handsworth Riots 1985
Birmingham witnessed major social unrest during 1985, these incidents took place in the Handsworth area of the city, an area suffering from high levels of social and economic disadvantage. In July local youths were engaged in acts of looting and the burning of police cars. Violence broke out on a much larger scale two months later. From the 9th 11th September disturbances led to four deaths, the burning of forty-five buildings along the Lozells Road and damages estimated at £2 million.
Many sections of the media promoted false myths concerning the unrest. Included amongst these were that the riot was purely the fault of particular ethnic minority communities. The Telegraph reported unrest in Handsworth was Britains first drug riot and violence erupted to alleviate the pressures of tough police measures on drug dealers.
Although the causes of these riots were complex, it is likely that the issues of unemployment, under-investment, poor education and welfare services, policing methods, overcrowding and racial disadvantage played a much larger role. The trigger for disturbances was provided by a breakdown in police-community relations. During the riots tensions escalated between African Caribbean and Asian communities with the news of the death of two Asian shopkeepers and arson of mainly Asian owned properties.
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