Brixton riots - in pictures

The decisive moment: "The first arrests were outside the Frontline off-licence in Railton Road. This was the beginning, around 4.45pm on the Saturday afternoon. At this stage, I had a hunch all hell was going to break loose…" Photograph: Neil Libbert

The first arrests: "The expressions on the policemen’s faces at this early stage suggest they were enjoying the fracas. But that was until the bricks started to fly and it became really nasty and frightening" Photograph: Neil Libbert

Brixton riots Photograph: Neil Libbert

Brixton Riots Photograph: Neil Libbert

Brixton on fire: "This was reminiscent of the Harlem race riots in 1964, which I also photographed. So I’d seen this scene before - and it was rather frightening" Photograph: Neil Libbert

The Windsor Castle pub: "On the Saturday night, there were no police around as looters took to the pub" Photograph: Neil Libbert

Atlantic Road: "On Sunday morning, people looked dazed after a night of disturbances" Photograph: Neil Libbert

Burnt out Brixton buildings the day after the riots, Sunday 12 April 1981 Photograph: Neil Libbert

The morning after Photograph: Neil Libbert