‘Nowhere to hide’ for influencers behind disorder – top prosecutor

Mr Parkinson said: “Some people are abroad. That doesn’t mean they’re safe. We have liaison prosecutors around the globe, who’ve got local links with the local judiciary. We can cooperate with our international partners.

“We would certainly consider extradition if we are satisfied that an offence has been committed.

“And if it takes weeks or not months, we will bring them home and they will face justice.”

Violent riots following the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport have now lasted almost a week.

Suspects charged so far have faced allegations including violent disorder, which can lead to five years in jail. Other suspects who have been arrested are still being assessed for the more serious charge of rioting, that can lead to ten years.

Those charging decisions would take longer, said Mr Parkinson, because of the nature of the crime and the evidence needed – but they will come.

“There are sentencing guidelines which indicate that many people who have been caught up in this disorder will face immediate imprisonment. There should be no doubt about that. They are going to prison.

“We are willing to look at terrorism offences. I’m aware of at least one instance where that is happening.

“Where you have organised groups planning activity for the purposes of advancing [an] ideology … planning really, really serious disruption then yes, we will consider terrorism offences.”

Earlier today, the Crown Prosecution Service charged a 28-year-old man with posting content online that was allegedly intended to stir up racial hatred in relation to the violence disorder – the first such charge in relation to the clashes.