Confusion over process for sending water cannon to riots

DOUBTS were cast last night on the process for sending water cannon to riot scenes.

Conservative, Philip Hollobone (Kettering), said that sending bowsers on to the streets to spray violent thugs was a policy decision for ministers rather than an operational choice for police forces.

Prime Minister David Cameron has previously said it was up to top officers to choose whether the cannon were needed, but they would now be available at 24 hours notice.