THE PM has refused to back calls for across-the-board transparency over the race of arrested suspects.

Sir Keir Starmer insisted it was a “matter for the police” after top cops in Liverpool took just two hours to say their car-rampage ­suspect was white and British.

Experts said Merseyside Police were correct to quickly release the details and forces must stick to the approach in future.

It follows huge criticism of the failure to give accurate and timely information about Axel Rudakubana, who killed three young girls in Southport last year.

Riots and violence took place across Britain as misinformation was allowed to spread online.

Jonathan Hall, the UK’s independent reviewer of terror laws, said the new approach was the right one.

He added: “The lesson has been learnt, don’t give any fuel to the conspiracy merchants.

“If it had been a Muslim, an Asian, a black man or woman, they would have to say that. You’ve got to be fully consistent.”

Online clips led to speculation a terror attack had taken place.

No10 repeated the release of the suspect’s details were a matter for the police