Reeves corner on fire: Il Fatto Quotidiano

Almost two months after the disturbances that wreaked havoc in various London boroughs, a former judge leading the inquiry into the Croydon riots, is appealing for those affected to tell their stories.

William Barnett QC is inviting members of the local community to submit statements via email, post or telephone until October 10. The panel investigating  the events also plans public hearings with the final aim of handing in its  findings to the national panel set up by Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg and chaired by Darra Singh.

Mike Fisher, the leader of the council and Tony Newman, leader of the opposition, say that the team led by Mr Barnett is a cross party panel with no political agenda.

The former circuit judge is a local resident and worked as a Recorder of Croydon for 10 years at the Crown Court. He is also a governor of the Whitgift Foundation and a governor at Whitgift, Trinity and Old Palace of John Whitgift Schools.

Other members of the panel include Conservative Councillor Jan Buttinger, and Labour Councillor Sean Fitzsimons.

The time frame for the completion of the work is up to five months and the all findings will be made public.

Mr Barnett stressed it is important to establish what happened and “whether there are any lessons to be learned”.  He also urged victims to come forward no matter how small they feel the details of their stories might be.

Since the end of last month residents and professionals affected by the riots can also contact the One Stop Shop for advice and support.

Do you have a story to tell? Here’s how you can reach the riots panel:

Email: localreview@croydon.gov.uk

Post: Croydon Independent Local Review Panel, 5th floor, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 3BT

Telephone: 020 8726 6000

Read more about the Croydon riots here and here