I am absolutely horrified to see this happening in my beloved Brummagem - and I'm sure people feel the same about their localities. It feels like an attack on the very heart of communities and it's an indictment on the way we all contribute to the social wellbeing of our place. I know I'm taking this personally, but I think it's only right as it reflects not just on groups but on us as individuals - because our behaviour matters.

Some have said that there appears to be no reason for the behaviour. One expert said that we have bred a generation with a culture of entitlement. England cannot be said to be poor in the way that some in the Horn of Africa are at present, which makes the situation even more confusing for the onlooker.

TV and radio interviews have reported young people as saying that the rioting/looting is fun while others have said it's about a lack of respect from the authorities. One young person said that if he saw something that he wanted he would take it if he had the opportunity.

I hope and pray that more good comes out of this than evil.