Residents of Middlesbrough are grappling with fear and uncertainty following a violent riot that erupted during what was intended to be a peaceful protest. The chaos began on August 27, and the tension in the community has continued to escalate ever since.
Two months after the unrest, the atmosphere in the city, particularly in the Parliament Road area, remains tense. During a visit to the site, it was evident that the panic and repercussions from the riots still loom large.
One local business owner, Pervaz Akhtar, has taken extraordinary measures for security after his shop was targeted multiple times, including now having to install razor wire around his premises. “I’ve got police alarms, CCTV cameras, and shutters,” said Akhtar, “but I believe this is the best measure to protect my business.” His daily routine now includes spending 40 minutes setting up the deterrent each morning.
Akhtar, who has lived in the area his entire life, expressed despair over feeling unsafe and is now contemplating selling his shop. “I’m not giving up, but I’m depressed. I never know when someone might threaten me,” he said. Following damage inflicted by rioters, he noted, “My whole family has been affected. My son is scared every time he sees a group of people.”
Another resident, John, from Ghana, remains shaken by the events. He moved to Middlesbrough hoping for a peaceful life, only to find the front window of his shared home still boarded up weeks later. “I was shocked by the damage. I expected a peaceful demonstration,” he stated, hoping for repairs to be made soon.
The ripple effects of the riots have also affected community welfare initiatives. Streets Ahead For Information, a local charity, provides critical services to residents from diverse backgrounds. Kim May, the operations manager, noted, “We can repair physical damage, but addressing the mental health issues is far more complex.”
The charity runs a low-cost food shop that is always in high demand, reflecting the economic struggles faced by many locals. As they work to support those impacted by the unrest, May emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying issues contributing to community unrest, including poverty and mental health concerns.
Diana, a resident from Romania, expressed her unease after witnessing the riots online while on holiday. “I constantly look over my shoulder now,” she admitted.
As the residents of Middlesbrough continue to navigate the aftermath of the riots, their focus is shifting toward rebuilding not just their physical environment, but their community’s resilience and spirit. The need for active support and an understanding ear has never been greater as they collectively seek to restore a sense of safety and normalcy.
Credit: Sky News
