Rioters taking part in violent demonstrations across the UK “are not patriots standing up for their communities”, Yvotte Cooper has said.

Disorder that has spread on Britain’s streets since the killing of three young girls in Southport entered its sixth day yesterday.

Writing in the Times, the Home Secretary, said: “These are not patriots standing up for their communities. They are thugs, criminals and extremists who betray the very values our country is built on.”

She added: “Make no mistake, there will be a reckoning for the individuals who took part in this violence, those who whipped them up on social media and in online chat forums and those who have felt emboldened by this moment to stir up racial hatred.” 

More than 420 people have been arrested since riots erupted last week with disinformation on social media fuelling the unrest. 

It comes as Sir Keir Starmer yesterday warned rioters would regret taking part as the Prime Minister vowed to do “whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice as quickly as possible.”

Downing Street is expected to hold a Cobra emergency response meeting on Monday to discuss the government’s response in the coming days.

Over the weekend demonstrations took place in Rotherham, Tamworth, Bolton and Middlesbrough with clashes breaking out between far-Right and Muslim counter protestors. 

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