UK police arrest 7 over last summer's London riots

LONDON – Seven people in Britain were arrested on suspicion of instigating the riots that swept London last summer, police said Thursday.

Six of the suspects were taken into custody in dawn raids targeting suspected gang members at 11 addresses across London, Scotland Yard said. The seventh later was arrested later at a north London police station.

Police said those arrested are suspected of involvement in the initial disorder, which took place in north London and "clearly acted as a catalyst" for the further unrest.

Riots erupted Aug. 6 in north London and flared for four nights across the capital and other English cities as street gangs and looters trashed shops and vehicles.

Police said Thursday that one 19-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and burglary, while five male suspected gang members — aged 17 to 19 — were arrested on similar charges in the dawn raids.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and burglary after presenting himself at a north London police station, police said. The seven suspects remained in custody at London police stations.