Luton no longer stands alone in its unenviable reputation, said the Beds & Herts Saturday Telegraph of August 9th, 1919. The temporary lapse into riot on Peace Day has been eclipsed by Liverpool disturbances. Said the newspaper:

The Liverpool Echo on the previous Monday stated that Liverpool over the weekend had been the theatre of scenes bearing more resemblance to a wild, disordered dream than to the actualities of existence in a civilised community. The worst elements of the city's life had broken loose and given free rein to their passion for spoilation and destruction. Close upon 200 shops in various parts of the city had been broken into and rifled, and total damage to an amount estimated at £170,000 at least had been done.

In Birkenhead, lying on the opposite side of the Mersey, there were similar scenes, and the military were actively engaged.

The mob on the Sunday night actually threatened 'to make a Luton job' of the fine Town Hall, and the Mayor in this case remained in the building all night. The Town Hall was safely guarded by the military.

Incidentally, said the Saturday Telegraph, “we sympathise with a nervous Luton lady who left Luton owing to the riots and went to stay with her sister at Liverpool!”