Riot (Damages) Act 1886

The Riot (Damages) Act 1886 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that provides compensation for damages to property caused by riots. The Act makes the police authority liable for compensating individuals and businesses whose property is damaged, stolen, or destroyed as a result of a riotous assembly.

To be eligible for compensation under the Act, certain conditions must be met. Primarily, the damage must have been caused by people "tumultuously and riotously assembled." The Act doesn't define "riot," but case law has established that a riot generally involves at least twelve people, common purpose, intention to help one another by force if necessary against any person opposing them, force or violence displayed in a manner calculated to alarm at least one person of reasonable firmness and courage, and actual violence or injury.

Claims must be made within a specific timeframe, usually fourteen days, after the riot occurs. The amount of compensation is generally based on the actual damage sustained, and the police authority has the right to defend the claim, potentially arguing that the damage was not caused by a riot, or that the claimant contributed to the damage.

The Act has been amended and updated over time, but its core principle remains the same: to provide a legal mechanism for compensating victims of riot-related property damage. The specific police authority responsible for compensation varies depending on the location of the damage.