Riot

Riots occur when crowds of people have gathered and are committing crimes or acts of violence.

England and Wales

Under English law, a riot is defined by the Public Order Act 1986 as 12 or more persons who "together use or threaten unlawful violence for a common purpose and the conduct of them (taken together) is such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety". This carries the possibility of a fine and a sentence of up to ten years' imprisonment.

Related Topics:
English law - Public Order Act 1986

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If there are fewer than twelve people present, violence may constitute the lesser offence of Violent Disorder. This is defined the same way as for a riot, but for 3 or more persons.

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