London, one of the most cosmopolitan places in Europe. London, a Mecca for shopping. London, a cultural capital.

What went so terribly wrong? I lived in London for many years and never have I seen anything like this. I was here when the race riots took place in the 1980s, but that pales in comparison to what is taking place at present.

Looting, mugging, arson and downright lawlessness – all perpetrated by good-for-nothing thugs. But London will rise to the challenge. It must.

■ Joe Agius

Naxxar