Former Met Police detective Peter Bleksley is concerned that violence across Britain could lead to the “unfortunate sight” of troops being deployed to quell the chaos.
Protesters have been making their fury known across the country in the wake of the deaths of three young girls in Southport in a crazed knife attack.
Thousands have taken to the streets and caused acts of violence during clashes with the police, and over 100 arrests have been carried out.
Speaking on GB News, Bleksley hit out at those clashing with officers and said drastic measures may need to be imposed to stop the violence.
Peter Bleksley says the army may have to be deployed to quell the chaos
PA / GB NEWS
“If you pick up a brick or a bottle and throw it at a police officer, you are an idiot. End of story”, he said.
“Something quite dramatic is going to have to happen here because I see no sign of this unrest ending.
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“I see this escalating and spreading. It concerns me because if it goes beyond the capabilities of the police, will we have to face the unfortunate sight of troops on the streets of Britain?”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has promised firm action on anyone found to have committed any wrongdoing during the protests, but Bleksley questioned how this can be the case when the justice system is in “absolute crisis”.
He added: “One of the first things Labour announced was letting thousands out of prison.
“Will those thousands merely be replaced by those chucking bricks and bottles at the police? We shall have to see.
Peter Bleksley joined Stephen Dixon and Anne Diamond on GB News
GB NEWS
“We have to question politicians. They bear a huge amount of responsibility for getting the nation to this point where so many feel frustrated.
“I’m not condoning this in any shape or form. So many are concerned about the rise of Islam and unfettered immigration, so they are going out onto the streets and causing mayhem.”
Dame Diana Johnson has insisted the police have “all the resources they need” to deal with riots and disorder.
Courts could sit overnight to ensure “thugs” are brought to justice, she suggested on BBC News.
Riot police were deployed to combat the rioters in Liverpool
GettyPrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has given police his “full backing” to take any action necessary to respond to “extremists” attempting to “sow hate” after scenes of disorder in England and Northern Ireland this week.
But concerns have been raised that officers may be left unable to deal with other incidents as a result of the need to focus efforts on the prospect of ongoing rioting, with the Police Federation warning: “There is a cost to all this.
Asked whether enough is being done to respond to the disorder, policing minister Dame Diana said the Government has been “reassured” that forces are able to meet the scale of the challenge.
“The police have made it very clear that they have all the resources they need at the moment… they have the powers that they need,” the minister said.
“There is no need to bring in the Army and there has been no discussion about that.
“(Police) have long-standing plans in place for mutual aid if they need to put extra police officers into certain parts of the country.”
