Riots in Stockholm Continue For Fifth Day in a Row

Sparked by police shooting of 69-year-old-man

Police in Stockholm are to seek reinforcements after youths set cars ablaze and threw stones at police for a fifth night running, officials said.

About 30 cars were set on fire in poorer districts in north-western and south-western parts of the Swedish capital on Thursday night, with rioters causing widespread damage to property, including schools. However, a police spokesman said the overnight violence was less intense than in previous nights.

Despite Sweden's reputation for equality, the rioting has exposed a faultline between a well-off majority and a minority, often young people with immigrant backgrounds, who cannot find work, lack education and feel marginalised.

"In terms of extent, it is a little less, a little quieter," said the police spokesman, Kjell Lindgren. Eight people, mostly in their early 20s, were detained during the night.