Almost 3,000 people suspected of offences in London during the August riots have been arrested, according to new figures.

One of the Metropolitan Police officers leading the inquiry - which has now been in place for two months - described the investigation as "a marathon".

Detective chief superintendent Christopher Greany said Operation Withern consisted of "a strong robust team" looking for anyone involved in the riots and looting which spread across the capital, before affecting other areas of England.

"We are reviewing many, many pieces of CCTV which is one of the main investigative leads and there are many thousands of hours of footage to be viewed.

"As we view that, more suspects become apparent," he said.

Latest figures from Scotland Yard revealed that at least 2,952 suspects were arrested, with at least 1,774 charged.

Some 317 have been sentenced, and 96 of those received custodial terms.

A series of dawn raids took place in Hackney, north-east London, leading to arrests for violent disorder and burglary.

Mr Greany added: "This is not a short-term operation, it is a marathon not a sprint. Every day we get more leads and every day we make more arrests."

He also warned offenders who had not yet been caught that they would be arrested.