The home secretary has said prison places “are ready” for the “thuggish minority of criminals” rioting across the UK, ahead of an emergency COBRA meeting today.

Yvette Cooper will hold the emergency meeting this morning following nearly a week of rioting in cities and towns across the UK.

More than 140 people have been arrested so far across the country. In Middlesbrough alone, officers arrested 43 people.

She told Sky News those involved, who have injured police, targeted mosques and caused criminal damage, are “a thuggish minority of criminals”.

“They do not speak for our communities,” she said.

Ms Cooper added: “We’ve made sure there are additional prosecutors in place, that there are prisons, that prison places ready, and also that the courts stand ready as well.”

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