Why did rioters believe the lies?

Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper have set out a blunt message to rioters that they will end up in prison – but the policing response needs to step up in parallel with this robust rhetoric. It is incredible that after the outrageous threats against mosques and attacks on hotels, and other assaults, this disorder has still not been brought under control. There are fears of further violence today. This week’s riots constitute the worst public order challenge since the London riots of 2011, or perhaps even since the Miners’ strike of 1984-5. It’s time to restore order to Britain’s streets.

There are difficult questions that need answering, not least why so many of those involved in the disorder – and their online supporters – were all too ready to believe malicious sources falsely claiming the Southport assailant had arrived on a small boat. There