Malta temporarily closes London High Commission

Malta has temporarily closed its High Commission in London in view of rumours that there might be riots in the area this evening, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry said. The ministry said that any Maltese nationals in the UK who may need assistance...

Malta has temporarily closed its High Commission in London in view of rumours that there might be riots in the area this evening, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry said.

The ministry said that any Maltese nationals in the UK who may need assistance while the embassy is closed should call 07836 503 990. This number should only be used by Maltese who require assistance while in the UK, the spokesman said.

The embassy will be reopened as soon as it is believed to be safe.

Hundreds of people were arrested overnight after the worst rioting in decades as looting, violence and arson spread across London and to other major cities, including Liverpool, Birmingham and Bristol.

Tonight, 16,000 police officers are expected to be on the streets of London.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron, who cut his holiday in Tuscany short returning to London this morning, said today Parliament will be recalled for a day on Thursday to discuss the developments.

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