Tributes as community champion whose arrest led to Toxteth Riots dies aged 62

Tributes have been paid to photographer Leroy Cooper, who has died aged 62.

Leroy, whose arrest during a disturbance in Toxteth triggered the 1981 Toxteth Riots, documented the city and the Liverpool 8 community in particular in hundreds of thousands of photographs.

His work was displayed in galleries and museums including at the Museum of Liverpool, which shared a tribute to him.

Leroy, who died on Friday, had been arrested on July 3, 1981 during a disturbance in Toxteth that followed another man being apprehended by the police for stealing a bicycle.

His treatment by the police led to the disturbances which came to be known as the Toxteth Riots.

Over nine days of disturbances at least 70 buildings were damaged so severely by fire they had to be demolished.

He returned to L8 after time spent on remand and in borstal - eventually signing up for a 12-week course with Open Eye gallery in 1984.

He dedicated his life to photographing the people of Liverpool, amassing a "treasure chest" of hundreds of thousands of images that take in a nearly 40-year period.

In tribute to Leroy, Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson tweeted: "Desperately sad news about Leroy Cooper: the man whose arrest sparked the 1981 Toxteth Uprising, spent the next 40 years taking beautiful pictures that reflected his love for his L8 community.

"Love and thoughts with his family and friends. RIEP Leroy."

The Museum of Liverpool tweeted: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Leroy Cooper, a photographer, writer and activist whose love for Liverpool and the L8 community emanated from his work.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

The museum confirmed Leroy's display, Liverpool Through the Lens, would remain on show until March 31 next year.

Leroy's niece Safiyah Cooper posted on Facebook: "Our family is heartbroken…… with a heavy heart we announce the passing of my Uncle Leroy Cooper a inspiring photographer, artist and a huge member of the community.

"Rest in peace Leroy you will never been forgotten."

Her post was met with dozens of tributes to Leroy, who was remembered by his cousin, the poet Levi Tafari, who said: "I am in a state of shock today to learn of the passing of my cousin Leroy.

"RIEP Cuz condolences to all your loved one, bless."