West Midlands Police Authority awarded £11.2m grant

West Midlands Police Authority has been given a grant of £11.2m to cover the costs of policing the summer riots.

The disorder broke out in north London on 6 August and quickly spread to other cities, including Birmingham, Wolverhampton and West Bromwich.

The grant from the Home Office will cover the damage caused by rioters, estimated at more than £5m.

The funds will also cover most of the West Midlands Police Force's operational costs of about £7m.

The remaining shortfall of about £1m will have to be met by the police authority.

The grant was requested by the authority under the Riot Damages Act.

Bishop Derek Webley, chair of the Police Authority, said: "In view of the financial challenges facing the Police Authority at this time, we are delighted that the Home Office has decided to award us this special grant money."