Open Story: London riots

 

 

 

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• At least 770 people have been arrested in London; it stays largely calm overnight


• PM David Cameron: "We needed a fightback and a fightback is under way"


• He says police are authorised to use whatever means necessary to restore order

British Prime Minister David Cameron said Wednesday "a fightback is under way" after a fourth night of violence hit cities around England, although a huge police deployment helped restore order to the capital.

The northwestern cities of Manchester and Liverpool, as well as Nottingham, Birmingham, West Bromwich and Wolverhampton, in the area of England known as the Midlands, saw the worst of the unrest overnight.

Before and After: Gallery of London riots

Cameron said the police have been authorized to use whatever means necessary to combat "despicable violence," with the use of plastic bullets permitted and plans in place for water cannon to be available within 24 hours if needed, he said.

"We needed a fightback and a fightback is under way," he said.

Violence initially sparked by the shooting death of a 29-year-old man in London spread to other parts of the nation Monday night, with dramatic scenes of blazing buildings and confrontations between police and hooded youths.

Q&A: What sparked the London riots?

If you're in one of the UK cities where there's rioting, we'd like to hear what the scene is like. What emotions are you feeling in regards to the riots? Share your photos and videos, but please do stay out of any dangerous situations.