Nottingham riots: Dozens of arrests made

More than 90 people have been arrested following a night of riots in Nottingham in which five police stations were attacked.

Stations in The Meadows, Bulwell 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 damaged cars, pubs and shops in areas including Basford, Mapperley and Radford.

A total of 91 people were arrested for acts of arson and criminal violence.

It is expected the total number of arrests will exceed 100 later on Wednesday, police said.

Officers said the violence caused "untold damage" to the city and put lives at risk.

The Nottinghamshire force deployed hundreds of officers to deal with the unrest. Three received minor injuries.

College firebombed

Incidents reported by police overnight included:

• Canning Circus police station was firebombed 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

• New College Nottingham's Clarendon campus in Sherwood Rise was firebombed. 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 firebombs

• 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 pub on Mansfield Road and the Blenheim pub in Bulwell were both damaged.

Police said they had dealt with more than 1,000 reports of disorder in Nottingham and the surrounding area since 18:00 BST on Tuesday.

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

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."

Janette Levy, 39, from Canning Circus, said: "It was very scary last night, I saw a large gang of youths, some as young as eight or nine, all in black running up the street and shouting and making a lot of noise.

"I'm disgusted - I don't know why they are doing it."

Football fans praised

A spokeswoman for New College Nottingham said the Clarendon campus was open as usual on Wednesday despite the fire damage, with repairs expected to be fully completed within the next week.

Up to 20 males attacked Meadows Police Station

Meanwhile, Nottinghamshire Police has praised the 22,000 football fans who attended Tuesday night's Carling Cup match between Nottingham Forest and Notts County at the City Ground, which took place without incident.

Supt Mark Holland said: "They were an absolute credit to the city of Nottingham and county of Nottinghamshire and to every true sports fan in the country.

"This was the first game between the two teams for 19 years, there was much at stake and amid such tension it was possible that emotions could have spilled over.

"But the fans behaved impeccably and it was a pleasure to police the match."

Nottingham Forest won on penalties following a 3-3 draw.