England rioters ‘poor and young’

24 October 2011 Last updated at 05:41 ET

Riots spread to several areas of England over a number of days in August

The most comprehensive statistics published so far on the August riots in England show that those who took part were poorer, nger and of lower educational achievement than average.

Some 90% of those brought before the courts were male, and only 5% were over the age of 40.

The government figures show a quarter were juveniles – aged 10-17 – and a similar proportion were aged 18-20.

Of those arrested, 13% were identified as gang members.

Even in London, where gang membership among those arrested was highest, the figure was less than one in five.

Some 35% of adults brought before courts were claiming out-of-work benefits, which compares to a national average of 12%.

Of the ng people involved, 42% were in receipt of free school meals compared to an average of 16%.

Ethnic background

A government spokesman said: “In terms of the role gangs played in the disorder, most forces perceived that where gang members were involved, they generally did not play a pivotal role.”

Two-thirds of the ng people in court were classed as having some form of special educational need. This compares to 21% for the national average.

Three-quarters of all those who appeared in court had a previous conviction or caution. For adults the figure was 80% and for juveniles it was 62%.

In terms of ethnicity, 40% of those arrested were white, 39% black, 11% of mixed background, 8% Asian and 2% were classified as “other”.

Ethnic background ranged geographically from 77% white in Manchester to 32% white in London, and from 47% black in London to 11% black in Hertfordshire.

The figures were released by the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice.

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