POLICE patrols in Cambridgeshire have been increased as a precaution following the rioting in London which last night spread to other cities around the country.

Last night a Police Support Unit of 25 officers were sent from Cambridgeshire to the capital and returned to the county this morning.

Deputy Chief Constable John Feavyour said: “The force is monitoring the situation in London and other parts of the country. At this time there is no information to suggest there is any threat to Cambridgeshire but we have contingency plans in place.

“Our message is clear, there is no threat to the people of Cambridgeshire or local businesses and people should carry on with business as usual.

“As part of our national mutual aid arrangements we have provided support to the Metropolitan Police and are planning what other resources we can offer over the coming days.

“We understand there may be concerns and feelings of vulnerability within a number of communities and are working closely with our partners and community leaders to address those concerns.

“Patrols have been increased as a precaution.

“Violence, disorder and any other criminality will not be tolerated in Cambridgeshire and we will deal swiftly and robustly with anyone who uses the emerging issues in London as an excuse to break the law in this county.”

Last night officers from eight other counties - including three in the Eastern region - were also deployed to London in reaction to a third night of rioting.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said last night: “As part of the ongoing operation to protect London, more than 1,700 extra officers have been deployed. Mutual aid has been received and is ongoing from Thames Valley, Kent, Essex, Hampshire, Surrey, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Sussex.”

Last night shops, homes and businesses were attacked in Hackney, Camden, Ealing, Croydon, Lewisham, Peckham, Woolwich and Clapham.

Riots also spread to Birmingham, Liverpool, Nottingham and Bristol.

The violence started on Saturday following a peaceful protest in Tottenham following the fatal shooting of father-of-four Mark Duggan.

• A Police Support Unit is a unit of police officers who have undergone specialist training in public order policing.