Violence erupts at London vigil

LONDON, England -- Two police officers were injured as violence erupted at a vigil for a young man killed by police in South London last week.

The Friday evening vigil in Brixton was held in memory of the youth shot dead by police, who said he was carrying a cigarette lighter shaped like a gun.

Scotland Yard, headquarters of the London Metropolitan Police, spokesman Andy Trotter said: "What started as a peaceful and law abiding event was exploited by a relatively small group of youths intent on causing trouble and committing crime.

"What we have seen is purely and simply criminal behaviour and has nothing to do with lawful protest."

Vandals damaged cars, smashed windows and looted shops, according to Scotland Yard. Five people were arrested.

Police estimated about 120 youths, mostly around age 16 or under, began roaming the streets damaging businesses and vehicles about 2100 GMT. Sporadic clashes continued into the night, and police remained deployed in the area.

Officials said the youths are believed to be from some of the "local estates," the low-income government project housing prominent in Brixton, an area of high unemployment.