‘I could hear the screams’: Nigerian resident in UK recounts terrifying night during riots

In an emotional recount, Oluwasemilore, known on social media as King SBB described in an interview with Global South World how his proximity to the targeted area made him feel like a potential victim.

"When it started, I was in my house, which isn’t too far from the Pakistani area in Middlesbrough. It felt like we were a target. They literally targeted the street behind me, and it was really bad. I could hear the screaming and shouting - it was scary," Oluwasemilore recalled.

As the chaos unfolded outside, Oluwasemilore was also confronted with disturbing videos circulating online, showing attacks on people of colour and Muslims.

"That moment when I made that viral video, it was really bad. I was terrified and scared, knowing that I could get attacked for my skin colour without doing anything. It was a scary point in my life," he told GSW.

The traumatic experience has left a traumatizing impact on Oluwasemilore, who now feels constantly on edge in his daily life in Middlesbrough. "It has traumatized me so much that when I walk the streets of Middlesbrough, I’m always looking around, especially because it’s a really white-dominated area. That’s why the impact was huge. I’m always very cautious; I wasn’t like that when I first came here."

The filmmaker also shared that the riots have made him feel unsafe to the point where he avoids going out at night. "Since these riots, I’m always very wary of my environment. I can’t even take night walks anymore because you don’t know who hates you."

Anti-racism march

As the riots have simmered, the psychological toll and business losses that the riots have caused residents, especially those from minority communities are profound.

Some businesses are reportedly still counting losses as the riots have resulted in substantial property damage, stock losses, and a decline in sales as shoppers prefer to stay indoors.

Meanwhile, thousands of anti-racism protesters have since gathered in towns and cities across England in response to the riots. Stand Up to Racism organised up to 22 'Stop the Far Right' demonstrations on August 10 in cities including London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

The unrest was sparked earlier this month by a fatal knife attack on children in Southport, which misinformation on social media falsely attributed to an illegal immigrant and Muslim.