Scarman Inquiry into the Brixton Riots

A copy of the written submissions made public in phase two of the inquiry and of the transcripts of the public hearings held before Lord Scarman were deposited in the University of London Library for public examination in November 1981. The papers comprise of transcripts from the public hearings on the examination of the events and their immediate causes and written submissions on the underlying social conditions which may have contributed to communal tensions.

During the weekend of 10-12th April 1981 serious civil disorder occurred in the Brixton area of south London: 279 policemen were injured, 45 members of the public are known to have been injured and 28 buildings were damaged or destroyed by fire. As a result the Secretary of State for the Home Office appointed Lord Scarman to inquire urgently into the serious disorder in Brixton and to report with the power to make recommendations.

Access to the items in the collection is unrestricted for the purpose of private study and personal research within the controlled environment and restrictions of the Library's Palaeography Room Uncatalogued material may not be seen. Please contact the University Archivist for details.

Piers Cain, Inquiry by Lord Scarman in the matter of Section 32 of the Police Act 1964 and in the matter of a local inquiry into the Brixton disturbances 10-12 April 1981 , London (1982).

Copies may be made, subject to the condition of the original. Copying must be undertaken by the Palaeography Room staff, who will need a minimum of 24 hours to process requests.