TEHRAN - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called on the United Nations Security Council to step in and investigate the recent unrest gripping Britain, the local English language daily Tehran Times reported Thursday.

"The people protesting the wrong policies (of the government) are being beaten on the streets of London," Ahmadinejad said.

"Such brutal actions are in no way acceptable, and the officials of the country should listen to the voice of their people and allow them to participate in the major affairs of the country," he was quoted as saying on Wednesday.

Ahmadinejad criticized the UN Security Council for remaining silent over the developments in Britain and said that "Today the UN must show whether or not it can play a role in the management of the world's affairs."

This is a "litmus test" for the UN, he added.

British Prime Minister David Cameron launched a strong verbal attack Wednesday on rioters after a fourth night of rioting in the country.

Cameron promised he would not "allow a culture of fear to exist on our streets" after the rioters spread the arson, looting and violence to English cities.

Cameron outlined a broader range of options for the police, indicating legal support for "every action necessary to bring order to our streets."