Only prosecute children over riots as last resort, says youth justice chair

Exclusive: Keith Fraser warns against quick decisions after boys as young as 11 were involved in recent disorder

Children who took part in the recent riots should only be prosecuted as a last resort", the head of the body that oversees the youth justice system in England and Wales has said, warning against a rush to punish those involved.

Keith Fraser, the chair of the Youth Justice Board, said it was a real, real worry" that boys as young as 11 were involved in the disorder but he cautioned against making snap decisions to haul them before the courts.