Sony Research Lab and Sony Central Distribution Centre in UK set Ablaze by Rioters

[sethnintendo]

leatherhat said:

So the only defense is an overstretched police force stuck using melee weapons. Meanwhile the rioters have knives, molotovs, clubs and anything else they feel like using. 

A policeman in riot gear with a shield and club can easily fight back someone armed with a knife, another club, etc... Molotovs are usually thrown at buildings/vehicles.  You can have cops with rubber bullets backing up the advancing column of riot police.  Basically, it looks like the situation is fucked and there isn't any proper way in dealing with it.