Senior police officers were set to meet representatives of Mark Duggan’s family today amid fears that a vigil planned in Tottenham tomorrow could spark new disorder.
Police and Duggan’s family have appealed for calm in advance of the vigil set to take place outside Tottenham police station, the flashpoint for the 2011 riots.
Extra officers are to be deployed on the local streets, though many will also be on patrol for Tottenham’s Premier League home game against Crystal Palace which coincides with the demonstration. Haringey borough police commander Victor Olisa said there was no evidence people were planning trouble and he claimed the anger following the “unexpected” jury verdict had abated.
He said: “We have done lots of planning to make sure we do not get anywhere near the situation we had two and half years ago. We are having discussions with members of the family today to make sure that it is safe for people to turn up the vigil. The plan is for the family to achieve what they want which is a positive legacy for the tragic death of Mark Duggan.
“The family want a peaceful vigil and the people and businesses of Tottenham do not want their lives disrupted. We all want the same thing.”
He added: “If the vigil tomorrow passes off without violence then Tottenham, and London, will be the winners. “
Met Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe met with political and community leaders from Tottenham yesterday in an effort to rebuild the fractured relationship with the police in the wake of the Duggan shooting and its aftermath.
Duggan, 29, alleged by police to be a leading gang member, was shot dead when the taxi he was travelling in was stopped by armed officers in Tottenham in August 2011, and his death sparked protests that led to a wave of rioting and looting across the country.
His family reacted with anger to the inquest jury decision earlier this week that he was “lawfully killed” by a Scotland Yard marksman. They have vowed to carry on fighting “for justice” and want a judicial review of the inquest conclusion.
The jury found that it was likely that Duggan had a gun with him in the taxi, but had thrown it onto a nearby verge before he was shot.
Investigators from the Independent Police Complaints Commission are also expected to meet the Duggan family next week.
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It will be examining fresh evidence from the inquest, including one claim by a witness that Duggan was “executed” by police. Home Secretary Theresa May is reportedly considering reforming police stop-and-search powers in the wake of the inquest.
