Synopsis:

The 1981 Toxteth riot was the most violent civil disturbance in Britain during the twentieth century. Over three days more than £11 million worth of property was damaged, 1,000 police were injured, 500 people were arrested. Citizens of the deprived area reacted angrily to high unemployment and years of racial harassment from the police.

Hearing from the rioters, community leaders, victims, local and national government members, this unique documentary recalls how this situation escalated out of control. Ordinary people caught up in the riots gave their views and accounts as to the reasons for, and the inadequacy of the authorities' response to, the days of disorder and destruction.