RIOTS: Should police have tough new powers to deal with rioters?

AS riots and looting spread across the nation in recent days, the media spotlight has fallen on the police service.

With vigilante groups taking to the streets to protect property; children taking part in arson attacks and raids on shops and shocking scenes of riots filling our television screens, we’re asking: do the police need tough new powers to gain control in situations like this?

Last week’s vote: Padiham Triathlon sign switching - was it a prank or an insult to athletes?

You voted: A prank - 56%

An insult - 44%