As violent protests erupted across the UK following the stabbing of three girls in Southport, Sir Keir Starmer assured the police they had ministers' full support to take "all necessary action to keep our streets safe" from "thugs" who "sow hate".

According to a Downing Street official, the prime minister met with senior ministers to examine the public disturbance and unrest that have been observed in towns and cities in recent days. These ministers included the deputy prime minister, the home secretary, the justice secretary and the minister of policing.

After thanking police who responded to the violence in Sunderland on Friday night, which saw four officers injured, Sir Keir said officers "have our full support to take action against extremists on our streets who are attacking police officers, disrupting local businesses and attempting to sow hate by intimidating communities.

"The right to freedom of expression and the violent disorder we have seen are two very different things," he said, adding that "there is no excuse for violence of any kind".

Sir Keir reiterated that the government backed the police to take "all necessary action to keep our streets safe".

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said those engaging in violent disorder "will pay the price", telling broadcasters "criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britain's streets".

Ms Cooper said: "We've been clear to the police that they have our full backing in taking the strongest possible action against perpetrators, including making sure that there are more prosecutors, there are sufficient prison places and also that the courts stand ready because anyone who engages in this kind of disorder needs to be clear that they will pay the price."

Bricks, bottles and a flare were also thrown at officers as they lined The Strand in the city centre.

Another officer was kicked and knocked off his motorcycle by a demonstrator and others tried to kick riot shields.

A policewoman was hit by a chair and was led off by other officers, Sky's North of England correspondent Charlotte Leeming said.

At least 23 people have been arrested. That number is likely to rise - with police saying around 300 people were involved in some of the worst violence, on County Road, in the Walton area of the city.

Merseyside Police said: "The group gathered at around 8pm and from the start were intent on committing serious violence and disorder, which resulted in community facilities being set on fire."

Merseyside Police also said a 58-year-old man has been charged with two offences following the violent disorder in Southport on Tuesday. Derek Drummond of Pool Street, Southport, has been charged with violent disorder and assault on an emergency worker. He will appear at Wirral Magistrates Court on Monday.