The General Director of the Evangelical Alliance has described the rioting, looting and vandalism of the last few days as “shocking and unacceptable”.

Steve Clifford expressed dismay over communities being ransacked, the loss of livelihood, and the risk to people’s lives.

He added, however, that churches were uniting and taking “immediate action” to provide relief, support and care to victims of the riots.

“Christians are present on the street and participating in the clear-up by offering encouragement and support to the emergency services and their neighbours while praying for peace,” he said.

“Once this madness is over, some serious and far-ranging questions need to be asked. How do we respond to pockets of young men and women growing up in our inner city areas who have been failed by education, have little hope of finding employment and to whom the gang is their community?”

In a statement outside 10 Downing Street this morning, Prime Minister David Cameron announced that Parliament would be recalled on Thursday so that MPs can debate the riots.

He said the number of police officers in London would be beefed up from 6,000 to 16,000, as the force continues to defend itself against criticism for failing to stop looters robbing from businesses.

The Prime Minister said there was a need for “more robust police action” to deal with the violence, which has left communities angry and fearing that there will be more of the same tonight.

He condemned the riots: “These are sickening scenes – scenes of people looting, vandalising, thieving, robbing, scenes of people attacking police officers and even attacking fire crews as they are trying to put out fires.

“This is criminality, pure and simple, and it has to be confronted and defeated.”

The Evangelical Alliance is calling on Christians across London to join together in a prayer vigil tonight in the aftermath of the London riots.

The vigil is being held at Ruach Ministries in Kilburn at 7pm.

Mr Clifford said: "Prayer changes things and as Christians we are called to pray on behalf of our nation. Tonight will be an opportunity for Christians and Christian leaders to join together in unity and seek God on behalf of our communities.