Panic on the streets of London

The author makes a good point. These areas have been off the UK media radar for a long time. They haven't had a voice.

That said it seems at the moment that this is less political and more economic/criminal activity. What will be interesting is the effect of network communications (Twitter, facebook etc etc) in shifting the balance between Police and rioters.

I suspect (But have no direct evidence) that a smaller but more highly trained, equipped and organised Police was effective against a much larger disorganised mass. The tools for communication appear to give the rioters an increasing level of cell organisation that reduces the impact of the Police 'force multiplier'.

May explain why they are struggling to respond, just too many rioters with just enough organisation.