Are the riots about to get worse?

When will the violent disorder across England and Northern Ireland dissipate? That’s the question being asked in Westminster as ministers brace for further incidents. Keir Starmer last night chaired his second Cobra emergency meeting ahead of a wave of possible events over the next 48 hours, with 30 potential riots anticipated today. Among possible targets identified by the police are refugee shelters and lawyers’ homes. Last night, Starmer said people will be safe thanks to the police preparations.

So far 400 people have been arrested, with the first rioter jailed on Tuesday afternoon. James Nelson, 18, received a two-month sentence after pleading guilty to causing criminal damage in Bolton on Saturday, after he was spotted smashing cars while wearing a balaclava. The hope among ministers is that, as individuals are named and sentences handed out, it will start to act as a deterrent against those considering taking part in further disorder in the coming days.