As rioters fill overcrowded prisons, UK turns to police cells

FILE PHOTO: A demonstrator runs away from a police officer during an anti-immigration protest, in Rotherham, Britain, August 4, 2024. REUTERS/Hollie Adams/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain will use an emergency measure to detain suspected criminals in police station cells until it can find space for them in its overcrowded prisons after police arrested hundreds over widespread rioting this month.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government said on Monday the arrests of more than 1,100 suspects over the racist violence aimed at migrants and Muslims had worsened a prison capacity crisis, which has already forced ministers to say they will allow jails to release more prisoners early.