There were a few riots when I lived in Manchester (close to the city centre and the football ground). Mainly football hooliganism, but the largest one was in response to police violence (Mark Duggan was shot and killed).
I lived several floors up in a locked compound so just stayed home. I probably posted about it here.
Local news article recently updated about the riot.
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co....could-21222319
It was a bit like the recent America riots. Loads of people frustrated feeling society failed them and lashing out. 2008-2011 was a rough time of government austerity and poor employment prospects. People were unhappy.