Ready for riots

Los Angeles is bracing fearfully for the possibility of rioting as the second trial of four white police officers accused in the beating of Rodney King, a black motorist, draws to an end, Reuter reports from Los Angeles.

Riot preparations by law enforcement agencies took on unexpected urgency on Thursday when the defence suddenly rested its case, paving the way for an early conclusion to the six-week trial.

Ice T's fears, page 27