Prime Minister David Cameron has said that the number of police on the streets tonight will be upped to 16,000, compared to the 6,000 officers deployed last night, in anticipation of more rioting across London today.

Cameron, who cut short a holiday in Italy after pressure mounted on him to return home to handle the crisis, also confirmed that Parliament will be recalled in light of the growing number of rioters taking to the streets in the capital, and in other cities in the UK, including Birmingham and Bristol.

Rioting began in Tottenham on Saturday night, with shops and other businesses targeted. The riots spread to other parts of London including Brixton on Sunday night, before hitting areas including Hackney and Clapham yesterday.

Retailers including Carpetright have had stores torched, while others have been looted, including Currys, JD Sports and several phone shops.