"Burning down homes will not give justice,"

tay

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May 20, 2012
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The families of two men who have died following police chases told protesters "burning down homes will not give justice" as they urged for calm following a night of rioting.

Wheelie bins, mattresses and debris blocked part of Kingsland Road in east London, on Friday where crowds gathered in response to the death of Rashan Charles.

Police made several arrests after masked protesters began rioting and hurling fireworks at police amid rising tensions in the area.

spokesman for Mr Charles's family called for "dignified" protests.

"Burning down homes will not give justice," he added.

Mr Charles' father Esa will give a joint statement with Ginario Da Costa, the father of Edson Da Costa, outside Stoke Newington Police station on Saturday.

Mr Da Costa died on June 21, six days after he was detained by police during a traffic stop.

Videos posted on social media on Friday show a line of officers walking back in retreat as bottles and fireworks are launched towards
them.

The riots were sparked after unverified footage on social media appeared to show at least one police officer attempting to restrain Mr Charles on the floor of a shop at 1.45am last Saturday, close to where the protest was being held.

People are also protesting over the death of Mr Da Costa.

Campaigners claim his neck was broken and that he was "brutally beaten" after a car, containing three people, was halted in Woodcocks, Beckton.

His death is also being investigated by the IPCC, which has revealed an early pathology report shows he had "a number of packages in his throat" when he died.

On Saturday, Shadow home secretary and Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP Diane Abbott said: "The anger and upset at the death of Rashan Charles is understandable.

"But Rashan's family have explicitly spoken out against hostile actions. We must respect their wishes and any protests must be peaceful."

Riot police in London as protesters set fire to barricades over death of Rashan Charles, as his family say 'burning homes' will not bring justice