Police forces to co-operate to tackle violent disorder, says PM

Police forces across the country are to increase their co-operation to tackle violent disorder, Sir Keir Starmer announced on Thursday.

It comes after a crisis meeting with police chiefs following rioting in the wake of the Southport attack, which saw unrest spread across the country earlier this week.

The prime minister pledged to establish a "national capability across police forces to tackle violent disorder".

He described the widespread disorder as the "actions of a tiny, mindless minority" and condemned "far-right hatred".

Sir Keir added in a televised speech: "These thugs are mobile, they move from community to community, and we must have a police response that can do the same."

He also condemned "violent disorder, clearly whipped up online" describing it as crime, not protest.

"We will take all necessary action to keep our streets safe", the PM continued.