The Prime Minister has announced a "national capability across police forces to tackle violent disorder" in the wake of the riots which have rocked the UK in the last two days.

Violence had erupted on the streets of Southport, Hartlepool and London in the aftermath of a stabbing attack in the former - with police, mosques and individuals all targeted by mobs.

Sir Keir Starmer condemned a "tiny, mindless minority in society", whom he labelled "a gang of thugs, coordinated... and bent on violence" after the riots, adding that the Southport community "had to suffer twice" following the stabbings.

Speaking on Liverpool Crown Court's decision to name the suspect in the stabbing, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, Starmer said: "I remind everyone that the price for a trial that is prejudiced is ultimately paid by the victims and their families, who are deprived of the justice that they deserve."

Protests broke out across the UK following the attack in SouthportPA/Getty

Starmer addressed the nation from Downing Street today

The PM had met with police chiefs from across the country earlier today, and told them: "I wanted to send a message to each of you and, through you, your officers to say that this Government supports the police, supports what you are doing, and to be absolutely clear: This is not protest, this is violent disorder and action will be taken.

"This Government will make sure you have got the powers you need and will back you in using those powers."