By Anna Wise and Elizabeth Haigh and Lettice Bromovsky , updated
Police and crime commissioners could see households and businesses claiming for compensation of up to £1 million in the aftermath of riots erupting across the UK.
Under the law in England and Wales, victims of criminal damage to their property and possessions during a riot are entitled to claim for losses.
Questions about legal protection have been raised after several days of violent disorder in towns and cities including Liverpool, Rotherham, Tamworth, Middlesbrough and Hull, after three schoolgirls were stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on Monday last week.
Hundreds of police officers have been injured in clashes with thugs, as far-right activists led the way in attacking police officers, mosques and hotels thought to house asylum seekers.