Violence spreads across England as London burns

RIOTING has spread from London to several more English cities, forcing the Prime Minister to today return from his holiday to deal with the escalating crisis.

As violence gripped Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool, three people were arrested in London on suspicion of the attempted murder of a police officer who was hit by a car while trying to arrest looters.

The worst rioting in decades saw widespread looting and arson outside of London for the first time since the trouble began on Saturday night.

David Cameron has now returned to Britain to chair the government's emergency committee Cobra and meet police chiefs, having been on a family holiday to Tuscany.

Football matches which had been due to be played at West Ham and Charlton tonight have been cancelled following a request from the police, while there were also calls to postpone England's friendly match against Holland at Wembley tomorrow night.

Home Secretary Theresa May condemned "sheer criminality" as police and emergency services were overwhelmed by a third consecutive night of trouble, with riots starting in London in the daylight hours yesterday.

Commander Christine Jones said events were "simply inexcusable."

"Ordinary people have had their lives turned upside down by this mindless thuggery," she said.

"The Met will ensure that those responsible will face the consequences of their actions and be arrested."

Yobs took to the streets of Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool throughout the night in copycat attacks.

West Midlands Police arrested about 100 people in Birmingham after youths went on the rampage in the city centre's retail area, near the Bullring shopping mall.

Cars were set alight in Liverpool, and police officers were pelted with makeshift weapons including golf clubs as they tried to contain the gangs.

In Bristol, residents were urged to avoid the city centre after 150 rioters hit the streets.

Consecutive days of violence came after a peaceful protest in Tottenham on Saturday, which followed the fatal shooting of Mark Duggan, 29, on Thursday.

An inquest into Mr Duggan's death is due to open this morning.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission said it was awaiting "further forensic analysis" to gain a comprehensive account of the shots which led to his death.

However, there have been reports quoting a source as saying that initial tests suggested a bullet found lodged in a police radio after Mr Duggan's death was police issue.

Downing Street said Mr Cameron arrived back at Number 10 in the early hours.

He will meet Mrs May and Acting Scotland Yard Commissioner Tim Godwin before chairing the Cobra meeting, as some MPs suggested parliament should be re-called to help handle the crisis.

Scotland Yard said 334 people had been arrested, 69 people charged and two cautioned in connection with the rioting and looting across London.

Kit Malthouse, London's deputy mayor, said 6000 officers were on duty last night, with a total of 44 injured during the disruption.