Riots fightback begins

Police have begun the fightback against rioters who tore apart Manchester and Salford by jailing looters and arresting suspected ringleaders.

There was peace on the streets of Greater Manchester last night as heavy rain and a doubling of the amount of police officers were credited with helping dampen down trouble.

The number arrested after Tuesday night’s shocking scenes of destruction now stands at 145 with people currently being put before the courts to meet swift justice.

There were 1,000 police incidents, 150 fires and 12 hurt during the violence. Manchester and Salford councils threatened to evict people from their council homes if they are identified on CCTV.

A special sitting of Manchester Magistrates' Court from 9.00pm last night began dealing with 117 defendants in custody.

North-West Chief Crown Prosecutor Nazir Afzal said: “We have arranged for increased capacity in the courts to deal with these cases, and will seek remands in custody wherever appropriate.

“We are also advising on the charging of those caught in possession of property that was stolen. Anyone who handles stolen property is just as guilty of an offence as those who steal in the first place.”