FACE coverings at protests could be banned after thugs in balaclavas wreaked havoc on Britain’s streets.

Ministers are concerned that rioters involved in last week’s disruptions deliberately covered their faces to avoid arrest.

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Sources said they would work with the College of Policing to develop guidance to ensure that innocent people are not inadvertently affected.

This would include people in religious dress or those with health issues.

Ex-Scotland Yard detective Peter Bleksley said: “It’s very much needed and long overdue.

“You shouldn’t be able to go on a protest wearing a mask then throw a brick.

“It’s as stupid as it is cowardly to wear a mask in those situations.”

Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson writes in today’s Sun on Sunday hinting at a crackdown on masks and fireworks at protests.

She said: “Do not tell me that individuals who come armed with flares, fireworks and petrol bombs to a location advertised online with fire emojis are just there to protest.

“Do not tell me that someone is in a crowd for peaceful reasons when they are wearing a balaclava to avoid being identified, or swinging a stick or pole.

“These are dangerous thugs, plain and simple, and they will be treated as such.”

The previous government planned to jail or fine protesters £1,000 if they tried to hide their identity with masks after ugly pro-Palestine marches.

They also planned to ban flares and fireworks at protests, but the legislation was all dropped before the election. A temporary dispersal order yesterday banned face coverings in Newcastle.

Last Sunday, masked men were pictured attacking police officers in Rotherham.