Family of man whose death sparked riots launch youth justice campaign

The family of Mark Duggan, whose shooting by police sparked riots this summer, are to appeal for access to justice for young people.

They will be joined at a press conference by other families from Tottenham, north London, whose relatives have died after involvement with police officers.

The launch of the Tottenham Defence Campaign next Wednesday marks the 26th anniversary of the death of Cynthia Jarrett, who died after four police officers burst into her home.

The incident, in 1985, led to the Broadwater Farm riots. It is also two months since the death of 29-year-old Mr Duggan.

A spokesman for the campaign said: “The campaign has been formed by local people to defend access to justice for young people amid community concerns that Tottenham will face disproportionate and unequal treatment in the wake of August’s disturbances.”

The families of Roger Sylvester, 30, who died in 1999 after being restrained by officers in a psychiatric hospital, and Joy Gardner, 40, who died after a struggle with police in 1993, are also to take part in the event, and they will speak alongside local community activist Stafford Scott.

Mr Scott said: “The police must be held to account over the deaths of four members of our community, for their failings to contact the family of Mark Duggan about his death and their woeful response to family members on the peaceful demonstration in August.”

The campaign aims to ensure anyone arrested over the riots has access to legal advice, to inform residents of their rights, and to “challenge attempts to further criminalise people”.