London Riots: Violence Erupts For Third Day

Riot police have again been deployed to the streets of London as violence broke out for a third day running.

Police have clashed with rioters in Hackney and vehicles have been set on fire in Peckham and Lewisham.

It follows two nights of violence over the weekend after the police shooting of a man in Tottenham.

London's mayor Boris Johnson is cutting short his holiday to return to the city, where more than 200 people have been arrested and 35 officers injured.

Home Secretary Theresa May also returned early from holiday, to meet Acting Metropolitan Police (Met) Commissioner Tim Godwin and other senior officers.

'Totally unacceptable'

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stephen Kavanagh said they discussed the police response to the violence.

He said: "They were looking at preparations for tonight (Monday) to make sure any violence is dealt with quickly."

Mrs May condemned the riots as "sheer criminality" and said those responsible would "face the consequences of their actions".

She said: "The riots in Tottenham on Saturday night and the subsequent disturbances in other parts of London are totally unacceptable."

She also paid tribute to the bravery of police officers and urged local communities "to work constructively with the police to help them bring these criminals to justice".

Mrs May said at least 215 people had been arrested and 25 people charged.

A peaceful protest in Tottenham on Saturday over the fatal shooting by police of Mark Duggan, 29, was followed by violence which spread into Sunday.

A candlelit vigil is being held at The High Cross in Tottenham, on Monday evening.

'Significant resources'

A BBC journalist said the latest violence started in Mare Street, Hackney, when a man was stopped and searched by police but nothing was found.

About eight riot vans have been drafted in and there are up to 200 police officers in riot gear in the Hackney area.

Groups of people began attacking the police at about 16:20 BST, throwing rocks and a bin at officers.

Police cars were also being smashed by youths, who were armed with wooden poles and metal bars.

Looters also smashed their way into shops, including a JD Sports store, before police lines dispersed the group.

Planks of wood taken from a lorry were then hurled towards riot officers.

Trains are not stopping at Hackney Central and buses are being diverted from the area.

Violence has also broken out in Peckham, south London, where a bus has been set on fire Peckham High Street.

In nearby Lewisham, footage showed a trail of bins and a a number of vehicles on fire.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stephen Kavanagh said there were "significant resources" on the streets, with a third more officers on duty than on Sunday.

He said: "What we can see is that the Metropolitan Police are getting police officers there in numbers.

"When we have large numbers of criminals intent on that type of violence, we can only do that, get lots of officers there quickly and try to protect local businesses and local people."

He also admitted relations with the family of the man shot dead by police could have been handled better.

Mr Kavanagh said: "I want to apologise to the Duggan family because I think both the IPCC (Independent Police Complaints Commission) and the Metropolitan Police could have managed that family's needs more effectively."

Source: BBC/UK