Three Nottingham police stations attacked by gangs

Three police stations in Nottingham have been attacked as trouble flared on the city's streets for a second night.

Stations in the Meadows and St Ann's were targeted, while Canning Circus station was set alight after fire bombs were thrown at the building.

Mobs of up to 50 people have damaged cars, pubs and shops in areas including Basford, Mapperley and Radford.

Police said the violence was causing "untold damage" to the city and putting lives at risk.

The Nottinghamshire force has deployed hundreds of officers, and at least 70 people have been arrested.

College fire bombed

Incidents reported by police in the past few hours:

• Canning Circus police station was fire bombed at about 22:00 BST. The flames were extinguished and eight people have been arrested

• Meadows Police Station was attacked by 15 to 20 males and a police vehicle set on fire outside

• Clarendon College in Sherwood Rise was fire bombed. Fire crews extinguished the blaze, but the building has been seriously damaged

• Car fires were started in New Basford and Old Basford

• Cars were set on fire in Woodborough Road, Mapperley - reportedly by fire bombs

• About 50 youths were seen trying to set fire to cars in Monfort Street, Radford

• A group of about 30 youths targeted St Ann's police station with stones

• A lorry was set on fire in Sneinton Market

• The Golden Fleece public house on Mansfield Road was damaged.

Since 18:00 BST, police have dealt with more than 1,000 reports of disorder in Nottingham and the surrounding area.

According to the force, the majority of the incidents relate to "rowdy behaviour by groups of individuals roaming the streets of housing estates and the city centre seemingly intent on causing trouble".

'Mindless hooliganism'

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Scarrott described them as "gratuitous, senseless and wholly unjustified acts of wanton criminality".

He said: "I cannot understand this explosion of mindless hooliganism and violence which is scarring our city and causing untold damage, not just to property but to the peace of mind of the law-abiding majority.

"My officers have come under physical attack and their lives have been put in danger.

"I cannot believe the mentality of those committing this violence and I cannot understand how parents can be allowing their children to participate and spectate.

"They should be in no doubt. We are here to do a job and we will do that job.

"More and more people can expect to be arrested and will face the consequences of their action."

Earlier, the Carling Cup tie between Nottingham Forest and Notts County went ahead despite concerns following disturbances in the St Ann's area of the city on Monday night.

There had been fears the game - the first competitive match between the clubs for 17 years - would be cancelled.

But officers said they would not let a minority stop a major sporting event.

Forest won 4-3 on penalties after scoring in the dying moments of extra time to make it 3-3.