Law and order on UK streets would break down if jails became full, say police sources

Warning comes as justice secretary prepares to set out emergency measures to free up space in prisons

Jails becoming too full to accept new inmates would spark a breakdown in law and order on UK streets within days, senior police sources have said.

Police cells would be filled with arrested suspects and convicted prisoners, the source claimed, a situation that could be exploited by looters and criminals.