The murder of Police Constable Keith Blakelock occurred against the backdrop of significant social unrest at Broadwater Farm in Tottenham, a borough in North London. Tensions had been mounting in the area for weeks, fueled by allegations of police brutality and accusations of racial discrimination against the local black community. The immediate catalyst for the riots on that night was the police's handling of the death of a local youth, which had intensified grievances about law enforcement practices. The atmosphere was charged, leading to a volatile situation where clashes between police and residents became increasingly violent.

On the evening of the rioting, Blakelock was part of a deployment aimed at managing the disturbances. During the confrontations, he and his colleagues found themselves surrounded by a group of rioters armed with weapons. Blakelock was attacked, and despite being rescued by fellow officers, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after. His death highlighted the risks that police officers faced in volatile environments, as well as the deep-seated issues within the community-police relationship in London.

The aftermath of the incident reverberated through the capital and led to a nationwide discussion about police tactics and community safety. Investigations ensued, and several arrests were made, but the incident left a lasting scar on both the community and the police forces involved. Blakelock's murder marked a significant moment in the ongoing struggle over race relations in Britain during the 1980s, which was characterized by numerous riots and protests in urban areas.