The family of a black man who died after being apprehended by police has appealed for peace after violent protests in the wake of his death.
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The family of Rashan Charles, who died in police custody a week ago, has urged calm following huge protests in east London on Friday night.
Their appeal came during a vigil for the 20-year-old where people laid flowers and tributes in his memory.
Charles was wrestled to the ground in Dalston on July 22nd, and died about an hour later.
Diane Abbott, the Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington was at the vigil. “I am here to assure the parents and assure the community that I will stand by parents in their fight on the truth. We have all…well, most of us will have seen the video and there are questions to be answered and I will not rest until questions are answered.”
Diane Abbott demands ‘peaceful protest’ after Rashan Charles demo turned violent https://t.co/Bk6CWOceie via
MetroUK</a></p>— Diane Abbott (HackneyAbbott) July 29, 2017
Police attacked with firebombs in Hackney, east London as riots turn violent https://t.co/74Gnk38Gfy pic.twitter.com/O6bgZlHRog
— The Independent (@Independent) July 29, 2017
On Friday evening, a large gang of protesters, many of whom had their faces covered – clashed with riot police as tensions came to a head in Dalston.
Bottles, stones and other objects were hurled at officers as they used shields to move into the violence in an attempt to bring it under control.
The police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission, has launched an investigation into Charles’ death.