Sir Keir Starmer has warned rioters will feel the “full force of the law” after convening yet another Cobra meeting tonight.
The Prime Minister gathered top officials as an eighth day of violent unrest looms.
Starmer said: “The Cobra meeting was to coordinate our response to the disorder and I made it very clear on a number of occasions that those involved will feel the full force of the law.”
The Prime Minister, who confirmed more than 400 people have been arrested and 100 charged so far, added: “That should send a very powerful message to anybody involved, either directly or online, that you are likely to be dealt with within a week and that nobody, but nobody should be involving themselves in this disorder.”
Sir Keir Starmer with insets of rioters and policePAThe criminal justice system is expected to provide a “robust and swift” response when it comes to punishing rioters.
James Nelson, 18, became the first rioter to receive a custodial sentence after the Bolton boy pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage on Sunday.
He was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, Greater Manchester Police has confirmed.
However, Liam Powell, 28, avoided jail as he was given a 12-month community order which will be in place until August 2025.
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Starmer convened another Cobra meeting yesterday morning but protests look likely to continue later this week.
The Prime Minister is facing growing calls to recall Parliament, particularly after the Northern Irish Assembly ended its summer recess to address events in Belfast.
Riots started last week after misinformation circulated related to the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport, Merseyside, on July 29.
More than 420 people have been arrested since riots began last week, with unrest witnessed in Middlesbrough and Bolton.
Hundreds of thugs petrol-bombed a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham over the weekend.
Balaclava-cladded rioters also hurled bricks and fire extinguishers at officers who tried to stop them torching the hotel.
Violent rioters even destroyed a children’s library in Liverpool and a Citizen’s Advice centre in Sunderland.
Mosques across the country have also been targeted during the seven-days of unrest.