Met vows to use ‘every tactic and tool’ to tackle London disorder

The Metropolitan Police has said it will use “every power, tactic and tool” to protect London against “one of the worst spates of violent disorder in the last decade”.

It follows more than a week of violence in some towns and cities across England and Northern Ireland.

More than 100 people were arrested in central London last week after officers clashed with demonstrators in Whitehall.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said the force would “not hesitate to arrest hundreds more” people if further violent disorder took place.

“The scenes of racist, thuggish and criminal behaviour across the country have been deeply shocking,” he said.

“They’ve made their intention to cause disruption and division very clear.

“This is a national critical incident and we will do everything in our power to protect London and its communities.”

Mr Valentine said there would be an increased police presence in parts of the capital and anyone involved in violence would “face the full force of the law”.

The disorder follows the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport, with the subsequent unrest partly fuelled by misinformation online, the far right and anti-immigration sentiment.

Across the UK, suspects have continued to appear in court, with about 100 people charged and more than 400 arrested in connection with the disorder.

Hundreds of extra prison spaces are also being made available to deal with the influx.

The deputy assistant commissioner said Met officers had “faced dangerous and violent scenes and verbal abuse” during the disorder, and “members of the public and officers have been attacked, many have been injured”.

He added: “Our officers and our communities have truly pulled together in these difficult times.”