Maggie Atkinson said now was the time to support the "overwhelming majority" of young people who condemn the violent behaviour witnessed.
"Sadly, some have gained the impression that most of the rioters were children but the reality is that reportedly [more than] 75 per cent of those being charged are over 18," she said. "We must do all we can to to counter these damaging misconceptions and to support the overwhelming majority of law-abiding children and young people. I am proud to say that young people have been some of the most constructive members of society in their condemnation of the rioting and in the clean-up efforts in their communities.
"We must take care not to blame and certainly not to write off a whole generation of young people. We would never claim, because a minority of adults rioted, that most adults in England are criminals."
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