Scores arrested after city rampage

Police in Birmingham have arrested around 100 people after rioters and looters rampaged across the city centre, mirroring the chaotic scenes in London.

Hundreds of youths gathered in the city’s main retail area close to the Bullring shopping mall, which closed its doors early in anticipation of violence.

West Midlands Police said the arrests, for offences including violent disorder and aggravated burglary, came after shops were damaged and property stolen in the city centre and some surrounding areas.

Assistant Chief Constable Sharon Rowe said many of those arrested were young people and urged parents to make sure they knew where their children were.