Courts will sit for 24 hours to crack down on rioters that have swept across the UK the past few days.
Last night saw ministers locked in talks with senior members of the judiciary to bring in emergency measures following clashes in cities like Manchester, Belfast and Liverpool, among others.
Police officers were attacked and pelted with missiles, while one officer was also kicked off his motorbike in Liverpool.
Shop fronts were vandalised, with looting and arson also breaking out, as the disorder intensified.
Keir Starmer said the police had his "full support"
PA
During crisis talks with ministers yesterday, Keir Starmer labelled rioters who attacked the police as "extremists" and urged officers to "take all action necessary to keep our streets safe", as they had his "full support".
Meanwhile, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she would work with forces to help ensure “consequences, arrests and prosecutions” for those responsible for this week's riots.
Officials at the Ministry of Justice are now understood to be in discussions with the judiciary, as well as police chiefs and the Crown Prosecution Service, about magistrates’ courts staying open all night to cope with an expected surge in the number of people in custody for riot-related offences.
This would involve triggering the Additional Courts Protocol, which is subject to the agreement and direction of the judiciary.
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Sunderland was one of the cities hardest hit by the riots
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The Chief Officer of Police and Chief Crown Prosecutor are expected to receive requests for additional court slots or session in order to approve their extended and weekend hours of operation.
The protocol was put in place following the London riots in 2011 which saw widespread looting and arson.
Current Prime Minister Starmer, was the director of public prosecutions at the time.
Chris Philp, a Tory MP and former police minister, said: “What worked during the London riots in 2011 was overwhelming numbers of police officers in the right place and immediate justice.
“Magistrates’ courts sat overnight so that justice was dispensed straight away - then it becomes clear that justice is being done”.
Riot police were deployed to combat the rioters
GettyA Downing Street spokesperson said: "This afternoon the Prime Minister convened senior Ministers including the Deputy Prime Minister, Home Secretary, Justice Secretary and the Policing Minister to discuss the incidents of public disorder and unrest we have seen in towns and cities in recent days.
"Addressing the scenes of disorder we have seen today, the Prime Minister set out that the police have our full support to take action against extremists on our streets who are attacking police officers, disrupting local businesses and attempting to sow hate by intimidating communities.
“The Home Secretary updated on the ongoing police response to outbreaks of disorder.
"She said we will work with them to ensure there are consequences, arrests and prosecutions for those responsible.
"The Justice Secretary added that already offenders who have committed violence over the last few days have been remanded in custody and the whole justice system is ready to deliver convictions as quickly as possible."