"A total of 16,000 police just announced to be on the streets. After last night, I'd rather have 16,000 Turks," remarked London resident Phill Taylor.

Vacations have been cut short for politicians and police alike. Parliament were recalled on Thursday to discuss the riots and its repercussions, not in the least its impact on the upcoming London Olympics.

Many in the social media have questioned why London's ability to host a violence-free games has not been called into question. "If these riots had taken place in South Africa a year before the football world cup, there would have been calls to move it," said Jamie Kyagyal.

For now, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is not pressing the panic button. "Security at the Olympic Games is a top priority for the IOC. It is, however, directly handled by the local authorities, as they know best what is appropriate and proportionate," its media relations manager Andrew Mitchell said in a statement.

"We are confident they will do a good job in this domain," he added.

【体坛英语资讯：Urban warzone needs fixing to avoid impact on London Olympics】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Fresh Wang leads short-track skaters

★ 体坛英语资讯：Boston stays hot at home

★ 体坛英语资讯：Brazil midfielder Lucas Lima warms to China move

★ 体坛英语资讯：Hosts China struggle into quarter-finals

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chinas EAFC title hopes dashed after losing to Japan 1-0

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Jessica Alba: Im more afraid of breastfeeding than giving birth

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Radcliffe receives death threat

★ 体坛英语资讯：Diving queen Guo shines at 2008 National Diving Championships

★ 体坛英语资讯：China wins Uber Cup

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Kidman backs U.N. drive to end violence against women