The England and Indian cricket teams were holed up in a city centre hotel on Tuesday as riots spread all around Birmingham putting the third Test at Edgbaston, starting on Wednesday, in jeopardy.
London football clubs including West Ham and Charlton were ordered by police to
postpone Monday's home Premiership matches as there were no spare officers to police and the situation grew tense as riots spread to Birmingham and Liverpool.
Security officers of both the cricket teams have asked the players not to venture out of the team hotel.
"I am in Birmingham and there are riot police around! But the rain has started hopefully that will put them off," England fast bowler Stuart Broad wrote on Twitter.
"Police vans all around Birmingham where we are right now... these riots are spreading," he added.
"Right, time for zzzz's... Stay safe my fella Londoners & those here in Birmingham," said Kevin Pietersen. "They have just locked our hotel in Birmingham. Riots just started here. Insane!"
England's front-line spinner Graeme Swann said: "Good luck to those surrounded by the carnage. Be safe."
Fast bowler Tim Bresnan, England's hero in Trent Bridge, even witnessed rioters looting stores in Birmingham.
"Just seen the rioters in Birmingham fleeing down the main street followed by a load of police in the full get up. What's going on," Bresnan said.
India's middle-order batsman Suresh Raina tweeted: "Good nite, every thing safe here, miss you mom, can't wait to see u."