Middle-aged radicalisation: why are so many of Britain and the North's rioters in their 40s and 50s?

Researchers from across Europe are looking at people in their 40s to mid-60s to uncover what characteristics of online content encourages them to go down the rabbit hole to extremism

Police officers battle with protesters as trouble flares during an anti-immigration demonstration outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Picture: PA 

Look closely at the pictures of the violent unrest that has spread across England and Northern Ireland and you will notice something that is not being spoken about. The rioters seen fighting, attacking police and setting fire to buildings are often middle aged — people in their 40s, 50s and 60s, screaming racist abuse and fighting with police.

Of the 11 people arrested in Sunderland on August 3, four fit this demographic. One of the people arrested and charged was a 69-year-old male pensioner.