Violence Erupts in North London

Two police cars, a bus, and local businesses have been set ablaze as riots have erupted in Tottenham, a northern area of Greater London. BBC video coverage of the damage and protests:

BBC News reports on what has led to the major disturbance:

"The incident began after a protest over the fatal shooting of a young man by police on Thursday turned violent.

About 300 people have gathered outside the police station on the High Road.

Members of the community had taken to the streets to demand 'justice' after the shooting of a 29-year-old father-of-four, named locally as Mark Duggan.

The BBC's Ben Ando, who is at the scene, described the situation as a 'stand off'."

The Guardian has reported that protesters have also attacked and set fire to several shops, and that rioters are armed with makeshift missiles in the center of Tottenham.

"At one point, rioters broke through police ranks and attempted to storm Tottenham's police station, pelting officers with bricks and bottles.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the trouble began when 'missiles' were thrown at parked patrol cars at 8.30pm. He said one was pushed, blazing, into the middle of Tottenham High Street. Neither of the two officers who had been driving the cars were injured.

As the violence spread, a double decker bus was set upon. Witnesses said the vehicle exploded in flames after attackers threw home made bombs through its windows. Nearby shops were also set ablaze.

Hundreds of residents gathered to watch the unrest and there several were reports of attacks on bystanders. At one point rioters were seen beating up a man attempting to take film footage of the scene."

Protesters are believed to have gathered outside the police station at about 17:00 BST.

"Starrish" Mark Duggan was shot dead by police in north London while seated in a minicab stopped during a planned operation, the police watchdog has said. Officers stopped the car on Thursday to carry out an arrest when the 29-year-old man, reported to be well-known within the community, was shot.