Scottish First Minister voices concern that violence in neighbouring nation could damage Scotland's reputation as a tourism destination.

Although police forces in Scotland and Wales refused to release figures for operational reasons, it was understood that 250 Scottish officers and around a hundred Welsh officers were sent to help English forces tackle outbreaks of violence in England.

During the period August 6th - 10th, sporadic violence and looting broke out in several cities around England. The riots were initially reported in the British and international media as "UK riots".

Speaking about the riots in the neighbouring nation, the First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond said "Obviously we've got an obligation to help if we can, and that's what's being done".

However, the Scottish First Minister expressed his concern about the media inaccurately reporting "UK riots" when no disorder had actually happened in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Tourism is a vital sector of the Scottish economy and the Scottish Government feared that tourists would cancel visits to Scotland after a number of foreign agencies advised travellers against going to the UK.

Mr Salmond stated: "It is important that we try and make the distinction. One of the bright spots in the economy right now is the surge in tourists numbers round Scotland. We don't want anything to damage that, so it is really important that... we see things properly presented."

After the First Minister expressed his concerns publicly, the main British broadcasters amended their headline reporting as "England riots" instead of "UK riots".