Basis for the song "Black Boys on Mopeds" ?

[OpalCat]

http://home.wanadoo.nl/bobbink/lyrics/black_boys_on_mopeds.txt

The lyrics really seem to point to some event, but I have no idea what. Anyone know?

Relevant snip:

England’s not the mythical land of Madame George and roses
It’s the home of police who kill black boys on mopeds
And I love my boy and that’s why I’m leaving
I don’t want him to be aware that there’s
Any such thing as grieving

[FriendRob]

I remember hearing that this was based on a true incident in which police killed an unarmed suspect, with many resulting claims of racism and unneccesary use of force. Hope someone comes along who has a better memory.

[welby]

From this website, which purports to be a biography of Sinead.

The song is primarily based on the pointless death of Nicholas Bramble, a young man on a moped pursued by policemen who thought he had stolen it. Terrified, Bramble sped up and was killed when his bike crashed; the consensus was that Bramble would not bave been scrutinized had he not been a black man.

I’ll send you a bill.

[OpalCat]

Thanks! Next question:

who is Madam George?

[booklover]

I may be utterly and completely wrong, but I always thought that Madam George was another reference to Maggie Thatcher.