Coming Crisis Alert -- Riots spreading throughout UK -- August 8, 2011

WARNING AREA AND DURATION:

ALERT LIFTED (August 11, 2011) -- but heightened vigilance still recommended.

ALERT EXTENDED: A number deaths last night including 3 Asian men who were killed during the riot while protecting their property, as well as the English Defense League now participating in defense marches in British cities, raises the specter of the riots transforming into a racial confrontation. The situation in London is reportedly calmer, although violence is still transpiring in many other areas of England. This alert will be extended until August 11, 2011, midnight EST.

ALERT EXTENDED: Due to a breakdown in the UK's ability to police its streets and ensure the safety of its citizens, as well as worsening events, this alert will be extended until August 10, 2011, midnight EST.

United Kingdom, with focus on London, until August 9, 2011, midnight EST.

EVENT INFORMATION:

Update - August 10, 2011
London is reportedly calmer, although violence continues to take place in many other areas of England. An unidentifiable elderly man is in critical medical condition after being attacked by rioters while attempting to fight a fire. 3 Asian men have also been killed in a hit-and-run incident while attempting to defend their property.

Update - August 9, 2011
Riots have begun to spread throughout towns and cities in England. A weapon has been discharged at an officer in Birmingham in the first incident of guns being used against policing forces.

Update - August 9, 2011
Riots have now erupted in Manchester, West Midlands and West Bromwich. Warnings have been issued to stay away from the city centers.

Update - August 9, 2011
Rioters now setting fire to buildings while people still in them. BBC reports that some families "barely escaped" their flats and homes.

Update - August 8, 2011
"Friends and family" being called in by affected citizens to battle rioters in order to protect homes and businesses throughout troubled areas due to "total lack of police assistance".

Update - August 8, 2011
Riots have spread to Birmingham, Liverpool and Bristol.

Update -- August 8, 2011
The London Mayor, British Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have cut short their holidays to return to the UK to tackle the crisis. Children as young as 10 years old have been reported looting and carrying alcohol down the streets.

August 8, 2011
Riots have erupted throughout various parts of London, and are now spreading throughout suburbs and other major cities of the United Kingdom, with reports coming in of riots erupting in Birmingham and Liverpool. Writing into the BBC, entrapped citizens in London are "preparing to defend their homes and shops" from armed roving gangs pillaging and setting on fire neighbourhoods, major buildings and police stations. This alert was issued in tandem with UK Government-issued warnings for citizens to stay inside their homes as the situation worsens, and out of concern for the safety of our UK readers.

EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Gunfire has been reported in several incidents, including a weapon being reported as having been discharged at a police officer in Birmingham. Stay clear of city centers and inside your homes if you are in areas of rioting. Do not attempt to put out fires or safeguard property by yourself.

2) If you are in an area of rioting, stay inside your homes. Do not confront rioters, especially if they are armed. Prepare an emergency exit from your home should fire erupt.

3) Please ensure that you are contact with your children and know their whereabouts. It has been recommended by the British Government that they return home immediately if they are not already there.

4) Please stay tuned to your television or radio for government instructions. Do not venture outside if unnecessary until unrest subsides.