'Arsonists be warned!' Former Police Officer cautions of 'life sentences' for rioting 'far-right thugs'

The violence has been triggered by the stabbing of three young girls in Southport last week however, after a wave of disinformation that suggested the suspect was an immigrant was spread online, mosques and asylum hotels are being targeted.

Speaking to GB News, former Met Detective Peter Bleksley said: "I wouldn't condone any of this lunacy in this criminality in any way, shape or form."

He added: "Well, already in this country, regrettably, millions of victims of crime do not get an investigation.

"Whether that's your car stolen, your house burgled, phone stolen."

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GB News host Isabel Webster said: "I've been to EDL riots as a reporter in the past, had to wear stab vests, the whole lot.

"I've had Molotov cocktails thrown at me, totally and utterly insane behaviour, and directed lots of violence at police and the horses as well.

"Frightening stuff. Is arresting them, putting them in jail, facing the full force of the law, going to help that situation or they're going to be even more disaffected?"

Bleksley responded: "The investigations into all these appalling events are going to virtually cripple the police's capability to investigate virtually anything else it's really going to have a huge effect."

"Let me point out to people that if you set fire to a hotel, like some people did last night, arson with intent to endanger life carries a life imprisonment maximum term. Be warned."

Masked rioters launched wood and sprayed fire extinguishers at police officers outside a Holiday Inn Express housing migrants in Rotherham, South Yorkshire last night.

Footage posted to social media appeared to show demonstrators storming into the hotel, with reports of a fire inside.

A police helicopter was deployed and at least one injured officer in riot gear was carried away during the febrile atmosphere.

Sir Keir held crisis talks with ministers on Saturday over the unrest, with Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood telling colleagues “the whole justice system is ready to deliver convictions as quickly as possible”.

There was violence on Saturday in towns and cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast which saw several police officers injured.

Faith leaders across Merseyside have called on communities to “remain calm and peaceful” in the aftermath of the Southport killings, saying some people “have sought to use the tragedy to create division and hate”.