U.K. Riots: 3 Dead as London Police Go on Offensive

Aug. 10, 2011— -- The rioting and looting gripping England has turned deadly as it enters a fifth day with three men killed by a hit-and-run driver in Birmingham.

Reports from neighbors indicate that the men were attempting to protect their area from rioters when they were struck by the car.

"Three men -- aged 31, 30 and 20 -- were on foot in Dudley Road in the Winson Green area of the city when they were in collision with a car. All later died from their injuries in hospital," read a statement of the West Midlands website. "Detectives … will today question a 32-year-old man on suspicion of murder."

In London, Scotland Yard has gone on the offensive in the streets, adding an additional 10,000 officers who have created an eerie calm as night fell on the capital that has apparently stifled the rioting.

Officers continued to arrest those involved in disorder both on the street and as a result of detective work, according to a statement from Scotland Yard, which rejected claims that officers were initially instructed not to make arrests.

"It is simply wrong to suggest officers were initially told not toactively arrest those involved in disorder," the statement read. "As always the decision to make an arrest is down to the individual officer on the ground who must weigh up whether it is appropriate bearing in mind risks of further inflaming the crowd, wider operational requirements and our ability to gather evidence to arrest later."

Police had vowed to hit the streets in greater numbers as night fell and there were no new reported hotspots in the city as of late Tuesday evening . A large presence will remain in the city through at least the next 24 hours, according to The Associated Press.

"A fightback is underway ... We will not put up with this in our country. We will not allow a culture of fear to exist on our streets," Prime Minister David Cameron said from 10 Downing Street today.

The current total for arrests made in London is at 770 people -- including one 11-year-old boy. Between Saturday night and Tuesday morning 525 arrests were made -- 310 of which were overnight on Monday. Across the country a total of 1,100 arrests have been made.

A total of 111 officers and 14 members of the public have been injured since the riots began, according to the Associated Press.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson, who cut his summer vacation short to return and help quell the violence, said there were now 16,000 officers on the streets of the capital, up from 6,000 on Monday. The Metropolitan Police resources are reportedly spread thinly and widely across the city, giving police a presence in many places and the ability to mobilize quickly to crush violence as it erupts.

Today on the BBC radio program "Today" Johnson took the opportunity to cricize the slashing of police budgets.

"If you ask me whether I think there is a case for cutting police budgets… in the light of these events, then my answer to that would be a 'no'," he said. "I think that this is not a time to think about making substantial cuts in police numbers and I'm looking at the country as a whole."

The U.S. Embassy has issued a statement warning Americans about London violence and has reminded them of common sense practices including avoiding civil unrest and not engaging with those causing disturbance.

The violence that began in London on Saturday has spread across England, with Manchester and Nottingham reportedly being hit harshly by rioters, with roving gangs of young people set buildings and cars on fire and looted stores and terrorizing the public. A gang of rioters firebombed a police station in Nottingham on Tuesday.

"Canning Circus Police Station fire bombed by a group of 30-40 males," Nottingham, England, police said via Twitter. "No reports of injuries at this stage. A number of men arrested. Fire service at scene."

In another tweet, officials added, "Fire at Canning Circus Police Station is extinguished, scene being preserved for forensic evidence. At least 8 arrested."

A total of 90 people have reportedly been arrested in Nottingham so far.