Riots: Cameron calls in water cannon

David Cameron today authorised police to use water cannon and plastic baton rounds against rioters bringing mayhem to Britain's streets. It comes after three men were killed today after fresh rioting brought mayhem to cities across the Midlands – as the Chief Constable of West Mercia Police appealed for calm. Gangs of copycat rioters and looters sparked ugly scenes in Wolverhampton, Birmingham and West Bromwich. West Midlands Police launched a murder inquiry after three men were struck by a car in Winson Green in Birmingham, shortly after 1am today. David Cameron today authorised police to use water cannon and plastic baton rounds against rioters bringing mayhem to Britain's streets. The Prime Minister said it was in response to 'not just a broken society, but a sick one'. It comes after three men were killed today after fresh rioting brought mayhem to cities across the Midlands – as the Chief Constable of West Mercia Police appealed for calm. Gangs of copycat rioters and looters sparked ugly scenes in Wolverhampton, Birmingham and West Bromwich as terrified shoppers fled and business owners closed early, barracading their businesses. Shops were looted and cars were set on fire as gangs of youths went on the rampage. West Midlands Police launched a murder inquiry after three men were struck by a car in Winson Green in Birmingham, shortly after 1am today. Two men were pronounced dead at the scene and the third man died in hospital at about 6am. Witnesses said they were hit by a car while protecting their community from looters. Detectives confirmed a 32-year-old man was being held on suspicion of murder. In Wolverhampton, a marauding mob of hundreds of masked rioters brought terror, fighting toe-to-toe with police, hurling bottles as terrified shoppers fled and smashing and looting shops in the city centre. Shops including Marks & Spencer and the Ron Flowers sports shop were targeted. In Birmingham there were reports of a gun being fired and in West Bromwich town centre vehicles were set on fire, blocking the High Street. West Midlands Police made a total of 109 arrests. Chief Constable David Shaw, from West Mercia Police which covers Shropshire, reassured residents officers were ready to respond if any disorder broke out. But officers today said 12 people were arrested overnight in Redditch and Kidderminster after two cars were set alight following some isolated incidents of disorder. [24link]