There have been many thoughtful attempts to understand recent riots in England, says Savi Hensman. But unfortunately thinktank head and theologian Philip Blond’s parallel universe is not among them.

With the smell of smoke and wail of sirens in the background, about 200 to 300 people from a range of faiths on the evening of 8 August gathered for a prayer and a walk to the center of Tottenham, north London, scarred by a weekend of rioting.

Rioting spread across a number of major cities in England last night, including many parts of London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Nottingham and Bristol.