Middle-aged radicalisation: why are so many of Britain’s rioters in their 40s and 50s?

By Sara H Wilford, Associate Professor, School of Computer Science and Informatics, De Montfort University

Look closely at the pictures of the violent unrest that has spread across England and Northern Ireland and you will notice something that is not being spoken about. The rioters seen fighting, attacking police and setting fire to buildings are often middle aged – people in their 40s, 50s and 60s, screaming racist abuse and fighting with police.

Of the 11 people arrested in Sunderland on August 3, four fit this demographic. One of the people…

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