Cameron and May condemn violence

London: David Cameron and Theresa May have led a chorus of politicians strongly condemning the behaviour of those involved in the rioting in Tottenham, north London.

A spokesman for the prime minister said: "There is no justification for the aggression the police and the public faced, or for the damage to property. There is now a police investigation into the rioting, and we should let that process happen."

May, the home secretary, said she condemned utterly the violence. She also paid tribute to the police officers who "put themselves in harm's way" to control the situation.

The London mayor, Boris Johnson, said: "I'm appalled at the scenes of violence and destruction in Tottenham.

"The acting commissioner [of the Metropolitan police] has assured me that the police are doing everything they can to resolve this situation.

"The events leading to these disturbances are rightly being investigated by the IPCC. Harming people and property will do nothing to facilitate the investigation it will only make the situation worse."

Kit Malthouse, Johnson's deputy, told Sky News that criminal elements were to blame for the trouble.

"There was a criminal element in the crowd intent on that activity rather than protest."