Man killed in Birmingham amidst scenes of violence

Woke up to news that the streets of Birmingham saw scenes of violence last night and that one man has lost his life. I'm sorry for the man and his family, and I'm sorry for Birmingham.

The MP for the area, Mr Mahmood, claimed he thought the incidents were linked to the assault allegation but a small group of people "predominantly from outside the area" were responsible for the violence.

Assistant Chief Constable David Shaw said: "It does not appear that a lot of people got together in advance, but I do believe that some people started the day, with intent to cause mayhem... Police and community leaders share their abhorrence with the loss of life.... This is the work of a small number of individuals and is not a true reflection of community relations in Birmingham."

Nobody seems to have so far suggested that these outsiders had anything to do with Lagali, a London organisation that "campaigns for cultural, economic and social justice on behalf of the African community", which organised yesterday's protest "campaign for silent victims" in Birmingham. Having read their comments on the Pickled Politics post yesterday however I wanted to know what their website had to say about recent events. According to them the violence last night was the BBC's fault.

I don't think you need me to add comment to that bit of logic.

Regardless of where those batten wielding thugs came from last night, a man now lies dead. I'd like to think that the loss of life would give these people pause for thought on their actions, but I doubt it will. I know, and you know, they'll make it someone else's fault and refuse to feel the shame that should be pouring into every part of their being right now.