MPs called to emergency riot debate

An emergency session of Parliament was scheduled for today to discuss the rioting and looting which has caused devastation across England and left three men who attempted to protect their community from the violence dead.

A huge police operation and heavy rain in some areas appear to have prevented a fifth night of widespread disorder.

MPs have been recalled to the Commons by Prime Minister David Cameron who yesterday declared a fightback against those responsible for the destruction during four nights of unrest.

Mr Cameron was set to make a statement to Parliament in which he is expected to spell out further plans to deal with the disorder and compensate riot-damaged businesses.

An e-petition calling for any convicted London rioters to lose all their financial benefits is nearing 100,000 signatures, meaning it could be one of the first to be debated in Parliament.