The 1995 Brixton riot highlighted tensions between London's Black community and police following a death in custody.
Key Facts
- Date
- 13 December 1995
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Arrests
- 22 people
- Police officers injured
- 3 officers
- Area sealed off
- 3 kilometres around Brixton
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Wayne Douglas, a 26-year-old Black man, died in police custody at Brixton Police Station on 13 December 1995. His death triggered a peaceful protest outside the station, which subsequently escalated into a riot involving several hundred people.
The riot lasted five hours and caused widespread damage to property and vehicles in Brixton, south London. Police cordoned off a three-kilometre area around the neighbourhood. Twenty-two people were arrested on charges of public order offences, theft, and criminal damage, and three officers were injured.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael Heseltine condemned the violence and pledged that efforts to improve Brixton would continue. The riot drew national attention to longstanding grievances over policing and the treatment of Black communities in British custody.
Political Outcome
Riot quelled after five hours; 22 arrested; Deputy PM condemned violence and pledged continued investment in Brixton.