Unrest spreads to Liverpool and Birmingham
As rioting grips London, Channel 4 News speaks to an eyewitness in Birmingham where trouble is “brewing”. There have also been clashes in Liverpool and police have stepped up patrols in Leeds.
As riots spiral across London, the fresh wave of violence has also spread north to central Birmingham, with police saying shop windows had been smashed and looting had taken place
Channel 4 News has spoken to one eyewitness, Omar Siddique, who was leaving work at 8pm, he said trouble was “brewing”.
“There must have been 20 police vans and 100 uniformed officers on Corporation Street in the city centre.
“Whole herds of youths were running up and down, but I didn’t see anybody throwing missiles.”
In Liverpool, police say a number of vehicles have been set on fire and crowds of youths have thrown missiies at police.
Meanwhile there is a heavy police presence in Chapeltown in inner city Leeds.
ITV Yorkshire reporter Adam Fowler told Channel 4 News that around 100 young people had gathered following the confirmed shooting of a man.
“I’ve counted 14 cars and three vans, police are taking no chances here, but the youths have dispersed down side streets, yet there is a palpable tension here tonight.”
The police have not revealed details of the shooting, but say the man has been taken to Leeds General Infirmary.
Mr Fowler said he had heard local reports that the man was injured during a drive-by shooting.
David Cameron has cut short his holiday to fly back to Britain following the violence.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said the prime minister would be returning to London overnight.
