The Pendleton Riot: A Political Sociology

Abstract

The incidents that took place in the vicinity of Salford Precinct on the 9 August 2011 occurred prior to and took a quite distinct form from the more widespread rioting and looting two miles away in Manchester city-centre. The riot events in Salford occurred following the Greater Manchester Police's riot-equipped officers pursuing a number of individuals involved in criminal damage onto a social housing estate neighbouring the Precinct. The police remained on the estate for some time as a large crowd began to gather, ultimately engaging the police in a violent confrontation, and going on to attack or loot a number of buildings (including an off-licence, a housing office, a pawn shop and perhaps most infamously a Lidl supermarket). In exploring the dynamics of this event there is a need to focus especially on issues of local context.