Crisis escalates as riots spread

Tuesday 9th August 2011, 9:47AM BST.

A jewellers shop is targeted near the Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham

Three people were arrested on suspicion of the attempted murder of a police officer today after riots spread across England.

The Prime Minister was forced to return early from holiday to deal with the escalating crisis.

Scenes of widespread looting, violence and arson were seen not only in London, where riots began on Saturday night, but in other major cities including Liverpool and Birmingham.

The worst rioting in decades led to the arrest of hundreds of people, as streets were turned into war zones.

Scotland Yard said the three people were apprehended following an incident in Brent, north west London, that led to a police officer being injured by a car while trying to stop looters.

Read full coverage including local reaction in today’s Shropshire Star.

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View more: Birmingham Riots news.