Last week, rioters caused destruction across London and later Manchester, Salford, Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool and Nottingham, often using the social networks to organise large groups of people to join in.

Two men were . The government is also , an announcement that was followed by an angry response from human rights groups.

So far however, only Facebook has confirmed its attendance, . It said in a statement: "We look forward to meeting with the home secretary to explain the measures we have been taking to ensure that Facebook is a safe and positive platform for people in the UK at this challenging time."

The Metropolitan Police has said it pre-empted attacks on Oxford Street in London and elsewhere, after communications with Twitter and RIM.