Burning buildings, cars a flame and stripped-out shops was the backdrop for one of the most talked about and appalling events of last year.

For four days in August, London and the UK were under siege as continuous violence swept across the nation.

Shocked local communities and the wider world watched as images of looting and destruction were beamed on television screens and printed in newspapers.

Ealing was one of the London boroughs targeted during the riots and the impact was devastating.

Local businesses were set upon and attacked, burnt-out cars littered the roads and the terrifying events of that night's looting claimed the life of Richard Mannington Bowes.

There was a state of disbelief from residents shocked that the community was subjected to a sustained period of terror.

In the run up to the one year anniversary of the distressing events that shook Ealing's community to its the core, the University of West London will hold two lectures as part of its ongoing Public Lecture Series.

The lectures taking place on 7 and 14 June 2012 at the University's St Mary's road site will see a line-up of distinguished speakers, who will employ their expertise and personal experiences of last summer's events to address the themes of the riots, how Ealing recovered and what happened to those guilty of riot-related crime.

On 7 June the Leader of Ealing Council, Councillor Julian Bell, will discuss how he led a sustained campaign to clean up the mess and restore calm after the chaotic scenes. He will also explain the impact of the riots on the Borough and how the Council led an immediate and wide-ranging initiative to help affected individuals and the wider community recover.

The second May 29, 201214 June.
It will feature the BBC's Legal Correspondent and Honorary Professor at the University's Ealing Law School, Clive Coleman, interviewing District Judge Tan Ikram about the sentencing of the rioters and looters. District Judge Tan Ikram is a prime candidate to be interviewed as, in the last few months, he has sentenced many young people who took part in London's riots and is sure to provide a detailed and engaging responses to the thought processes behind the sentencing.

These lectures will help examine the aftermath of these terrible nights in Ealing and provide the community with a deep insight from those on the frontline of these attacks.

Everyone with an interest in this fascinating topical subject is invited to attend. Simply visit here to book your place.

May 28, 2012