HOME secretary Theresa May is flying back from her summer holiday in the wake of a second night of violence and looting in North London and across the capital.

Mrs May, who has been in contact with other senior politicians and police leaders while overseas, will return to London this afternoon for further talks with Metropolitan Police Acting Commissioner Tim Godwin and other officers.

More than 100 people were arrested overnight after a series of "copycat" riots broke out across several boroughs in north, south and east London following earlier trouble in Tottenham, north London.

Mrs May warned that those responsible "will be made to face the consequences of their actions", saying: "Londoners have made clear that there are no excuses for violence, and I call on all members of local communities to work constructively with the police to help them bring these criminals to justice."

The fresh violence came after a peaceful protest in Tottenham on Saturday, which followed the fatal shooting of Mark Duggan, 29, on Thursday. The looting across London was carried out by "small and mobile" groups, Scotland Yard said.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Steve Kavanagh admitted on Radio 4 that there were too few officers in Tottenham on Saturday night. But he blamed Twitter for fuelling looting and violence, saying: "Social media and other methods have been used to organise these levels of greed and criminality."

Scotland Yard said at least nine officers were injured, including three who were taken to hospital after being hit by a fast-moving vehicle at 12.45am.

Police said 16 people have been charged with offences in relation to the disorder, including burglary, theft and violent disorder.