Family’s plea for peace after violent clashes

THE family of a black man who died after a police chase have made a fresh plea for “peace on the streets” following violent clashes in east London.

Demonstrators blocked Kingsland Road in Hackney with wheelie bins, mattresses and debris on Friday afternoon – with bottles and fireworks later being thrown at officers as the growing anger bubbled over into the night.

Rashan Charles, 20, died in hospital last Saturday.

Unverified footage on social media appeared to show at least one police officer attempting to restrain him on the floor of a shop at 1.45am, close to where the protest was being held.

Outside Stoke Newington police station on Saturday, his father Esa gathered with the family of Edson Da Costa – who died last month, six days after being detained by police – for a vigil organised by Stand Up To Racism.

Stafford Scott, who stood next to Mr Charles and spoke on behalf of the family, directly addressed the young people who protested the night before, and said that they understand their anger and frustration.

“Don’t feel that the family don’t feel that anger and that frustration too. But what the family knows is that taking it to the streets doesn’t give you justice,” he said.

Mr Scott said the family have found the best legal support they can and are now asking the community to “support them in their struggle” but with “peace on the streets”.

“No justice, no peace doesn’t mean violence - it means we will not watch this in silence,” he added on their behalf.

Shadow home secretary and Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP Diane Abbott told the crowd she felt it was important to attend the vigil to “show her support” for the families and parents of Mr Da Costa and Mr Charles.

“That is the call that every parent dreads. The call that tells you that your young child has died in those sorts of circumstances,” she said.

Ms Abbott said she agreed with what was said about the “importance of peace on the streets”, and added: “Violence is not the answer.”