British Prime Minister David Cameron has cut short his family holiday and is returning to London to coordinate efforts to fight riots there, the premier's office reported.
Violence began in the British capital's northern district of Tottenham on Saturday over the fatal shooting of a young man by police. On Sunday and Monday it spread to other areas in London and to Birmingham.
Protesters have been destroying and looting shops, setting cars and buildings alight and engaging in clashes with police.
Some 300 people gathered outside a police station in Tottenham on Saturday night to demand "justice" after 29-year-old cab driver and alleged drug dealer Mark Duggan was killed in Thursday's shootout with police.
Over 200 riot participants have been arrested and some 30 charged. Thirty-five police officers have been injured in the clashes.
Home Secretary Theresa May and London mayor Boris Johnson earlier also had to interrupt their holidays to return to the city.
