Duggan Vigil: Hundreds Gather In Tottenham

The 29-year-old’s mother Pamela and aunt Carole are joined by crowds carrying placards reading “Justice for Mark Duggan”.

A vigil for Mark Duggan – whose death at the hands of police marksmen in August 2011 sparked nationwide riots – has passed peacefully.

Hundreds of relatives and supporters of the 29-year-old gathered outside Tottenham police station and appealed for those taking part to remain peaceful.

His aunt Carole Duggan told the crowds: “Let’s show the country that we are not this gangster family that the media has been systematically portraying us as. Mark was not a gangster … we are just an ordinary family

“Please remember we are here to respect Mark. He didn’t get justice, but the fight goes on. So please let’s do it respectfully and calmly.”

The event was arranged in protest against what his family have branded a “perverse” inquest finding that Mr Duggan was lawfully killed by police, despite jurors also finding that he was unarmed when he was fatally shot.

A minute’s silence was held and 20 doves released as the protest came to an end.

His aunt added: “What we really want the IPCC (Independent Police Complaints Commission) to do now is to do what they should have done in the beginning and that is a thorough investigation.

“Over 65% of the IPCC members are ex-police, so therefore they are investigating their own people, and I believe that’s why Mark did not get the justice that he should have got,” she added.

Earlier, Tottenham MP David Lammy warned troublemakers to stay away after police said some protesters could “provoke disorder” at the event.

He told Sky News police believed some elements of the “criminal fraternity” wanted to cause trouble at the vigil

I am absolutely clear and so are (the police), the people of Tottenham do not want trouble, the family do not want trouble, there’s no room for it, no excuses for it and of course the police will have to police this event carefully and safely and ensure we do not see silly scenes on our streets again,” he said.

Scotland Yard said it had extra officers on standby and would be ready to “intervene immediately” if trouble broke out.

The statement issued by the Metropolitan Police said: “Today is a busy day in the capital and we have a policing operation in place across London.

“This includes having additional officers on standby that could respond to any incident that occurs.

“Part of this operation includes assessing all available information and intelligence, and we are aware of a limited amount of information that indicates a small number of people are expressing their desire to use this vigil as an opportunity.

“This information includes the intention of protest groups to attend and of people looking to provoke disorder. We will be ready to intervene immediately if required.

“The family has expressed that they wish this vigil to be held in a dignified and peaceful manner.

“The MPS has met with the organiser to ensure that we can appropriately facilitate their plans.”

 

 

 

 

 

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