An independent report into the 2022 violence in Leicester has found serious failures by local leaders and police, as well as the damaging role of online misinformation.
The unrest took place in August and September 2022 following tensions linked to an India–Pakistan cricket match. What began as arguments between small groups of young men escalated over several weeks into nightly disturbances in parts of east Leicester.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Videos and rumours spread rapidly on social media, inflaming tensions between sections of the city’s Hindu and Muslim communities. There were reports of assaults, vandalism, and protests outside places of worship. More than 50 people were arrested as police attempted to restore order.
At the time, the disorder attracted national attention and raised concerns about community relations in one of the UK’s most diverse cities.
The new report, Better Together: Understanding the 2022 Violence in Leicester, was released yesterday (Monday, February 23), It was produced after a two-year inquiry involving academics from SOAS University of London and the London School of Economics.
Key findings in the report state:
- Online misinformation made tensions worse, with false and misleading claims spreading quickly on social media.
- There was a lack of strong leadership from city officials in the early stages of the unrest.
- Leicestershire Police failed to fully understand rising tensions and had problems with intelligence, communication and coordination.
- Both Hindu and Muslim communities included people who were victims and people involved in the disorder.
The report warns that trust between communities in Leicester remains badly damaged.
The inquiry calls for:
- Stronger and more visible local leadership during times of tension.
- Better community-focused policing and improved intelligence gathering.
- Action to tackle misinformation and improve digital awareness.
- More investment in youth services and community projects to bring different groups together.
The report concludes that without long-term action, there is a risk that similar violence could happen again.
Commenting on the findings Chief Superintendent Shane O’Neill said the 2022 unrest in East Leicester was an “exceptionally complex and challenging” period that placed significant demand on the force.
He defended the force’s actions, stating officers policed “without fear or favour” and focused on bringing offenders to justice.
More than 50 people were charged in connection with the disorder, he added.
“Since 2022, the force has strengthened neighbourhood policing in East Leicester, enhanced leadership arrangements and increased community engagement efforts to rebuild trust and counter misinformation.”
