While the outbursts of violence, intimidation and bigotry were initially directed at particular groups – including Mosques, migrants and asylum seekers – they quickly spread to shops, the police and the media. A ragtag collection of agitators were united in disgrace as they exploited the horrific killing of three girls at a dance event in Southport. 

What prompted hope, however, was the reaction of many more to the rioting: the neighbours and community groups which united to repair the damage to places of worship and donate money towards rebuilding broken buildings and shattered hearts. 

The disorder appears now to have been quelled and Southwark’s streets remain largely unaffected. The painful memory of the mindless disorder seen elsewhere will, I hope, serve to underline the value of community. The social fabric includes charities, yes, but also faith groups, campaigners, small businesses and locally-rooted arms of the state councils, neighbourhood police and the NHS. 

Pecan is just one part of community life in Southwark – a borough that can attest to its own struggles but one with a proud history of giving time, money and energy to tackle inequality and discrimination. 

After reflecting on the riots, I am still no nearer to landing on a single definition of ‘community’. Perhaps – like you – I simply know it when I see it. I hope recent events redouble our resolve to help our neighbour.