Last night, Dianne, Kate, Lauren and I were out celebrating a great day at a fashion trade fair in London when we suddenly found ourselves in the middle of the riots.  We were having dinner at a tapas restaurant, just off Fulham Broadway when some young guys came running past the window.  At first I thought they were running for a bus! ... but there were too many.  Then more came, and more and more.  It was like a herde of wildebeeste running through the streets, dressed in black. Some wore masks or T-shirts over their faces.  The only light came from their mobile phones.  Riot vans, police in uniform and plain clothes swept after them, making arrests.  We could hear alternative shouting and then a tense silence. 

 They put the television on in the restaurant and we were advised to try to get home.  When it had appeared to have calmed we headed out, walking tightly together and discussing our strategy should we get attacked. We saw groups of guys congregating around bus stops and in doorways. They were only young - teenagers.  I saw some older guys on mobile phones in their cars and wondered if they were part of it.  Back in the hotel we could smell burning.  Cars were torched at the end of the road in Fulham Broadway.  We could hear sirens and shouting throughout the night and waking up this morning the sirens can still be heard.

 On the morning news I'm watching the aftermath of a night of frightening aggression.  It's the last day of the show today.  I'm sure it will be subdued and buyers will no doubt stay away.  I just hope this stupid violence stops and the people of London can get their city back again.  We can't wait to get back to Sheffield, safely.