Police war of words

A furious war of words between the police force and ministers has begun in the aftermath of the riots earlier this week.

David Cameron spoke out against the tactics used by the police in the early stages of the riots during a statement to a recalled House of Commons yesterday.

However senior police chiefs have struck back against the prime minister, calling the circumstances "unique" and taking the opportunity to criticise the planned police cuts.

The government is likely to face a protracted battle over its proposed police budget cut and the decision of key Conservatives such as London mayor Boris Johnson to speak out against the cuts is sure to ramp up pressure even further.

Boris Johnson: Case for cutting police numbers is 'weak'

Sir Hugh Orde: Riots were 'unique' and politicians return was an 'irrelevance'

Police Federation: Government has 'slighted' police over their role in riots

David Cameron: Police got tactics wrong at beginning of riots