Speaking to press in London today (16 August), Clegg said a government probe into the riots would help explode myths about the events.
But he said the Liberal Democrats have dropped their previous opposition to extending gang injunctions to cover under-18s.
"There does seem to be some early evidence that in some areas there was a very strong gang element and there is even some anecdotal evidence that gangs were co-operating to maximise their looting opportunities," he said.
"Of course, we need to look at that and that is why I think it is right that we revisit our positions on gang culture."
He also confirmed plans for a "community payback scheme", with offenders involved with recent riots helping to clean up areas hit by the disturbances.
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