CROYDON RIOTS: Reeves Corner boss labels fire "a catastrophe"
A huge fire is currently raging at Reeves Corner furniture store, which has stood in the town for more than 100 years.
A distruaght Trevor Reeves, owner of the family firm, described the arson attack as "mindless thuggery".
-
CROYDON'S BURNING: The historic Reeves corner furniture store is razed
He told the Advertiser: "My first thoughts are this is a complete catastrophe.
"We've been here since 1867. They've (the police) completely lost control, there's no law and order.
Get 10% off your GAP insurance with ALA.co.uk using the promotional code LW10
Contact: 01653 916304
Valid until: Wednesday, June 18 2014
"They should bring the Army in."
The blaze is so severe that the fire brigade is struggling to bring it under control.
Our reporter Gareth Davies, who has been at the scene since the start of the riots earlier this evening, has told how crews are manfully battling the blaze at Reeves Corner.
At 10.50pm he tweeted: "James Jewellery in Church Street was smashed into. Now boarded up. Town centre seems a lot quieter."
At 11pm, Gareth tweeted: "Croydon town centre is a lot quieter. People are out on the streets but in disbelief not anger."
Other Twitter users have expressed their disgust and sadness at the evening's events.
Kris De Souza wrote: "Every time I see Reeves Corner I genuinely cry, a long standing family business ruined by pointless, mindlessness. My thoughts are with them."
Croydon Councillor Simon Hoar tweeted: "Nothing to do with any issue they have. These are common thieves and criminals more interested in getting a free telly."
For the latest, up to the minute updates, follow Gareth on Twitter at gareth_davies09
Comments
by sdave2393
Friday, August 19 2011, 5:37PM
“I left croydon in 1974. Overpopulated and lousy weather. I live in Canada and couldn't be happier. After 37 years I never lock my doors, house or car, never had anything stolen.
My uncle in england has 4 bolts on his door, bars on the windows. My cousin was mugged 4 times in one year. When I lived there my uncle took me to soccer matches like West Ham and Tottenham. We had to have eyes in the back of our heads to avoid skinhead fights and people throwing darts into the crowd.
It's so sad to see. I will never visit again.”
by PollyKorrect
Wednesday, August 10 2011, 8:53PM
“I live in Buckeye, Arizona. West Croydon ablaze was on our TV news last night. They were interviewing a gentleman called Reeves regarding his burned furniture store. I was hoping that it wasn't. . . .
My mum and I used to get the 654 from there to go home. What a disaster. The Home Office certainly has changed Croydon.
National service would give those poor fellows something to really complain about, don't you think? Of course I doubt that they have the qualifications to allow them to be real soldiers but perhaps the powers that be could come up with a special arm of the force where they dig trenches, dig latrines, peel potatoes, check for IEDs, stuff like that and keep them away from the real, brave, qualified personnel who make up our military. Yes, you could say I am angry!”
by ExCroydonian
Wednesday, August 10 2011, 5:39PM
“"I watched the pictures of Reeves store burning down and literally had tears in my eyes seeing it destryed - I remember going there almost 50 years ago with Mum & Dad to buy a 3 piece suite. I was born, educated and lived in Croydon for 46 years but sadly the town was no longer the place I knew and loved so I relocated to Kent. That said I have and always will defend "the old girl" but am finding it increasingly hard to do so. I can't wait until the day I can return home to the opening of the new store.”
by roomster
Wednesday, August 10 2011, 4:49PM
“I left Croydon in the early 70's and don't visit it any more as no family live there any longer but as I watched the destruction my heart sank.”
by StandUpUK
Wednesday, August 10 2011, 11:14AM
“Please rally around guys and get our voices heard - click the link to sign the petition (you can untick a box to remain anonymous if you wish. Also please forward to everyone you can and post the link on your facebook, twitter and any web sites - even ebay listings!
http://tinyurl.com/3oppux2”
by ShenizMetroUK
Wednesday, August 10 2011, 10:42AM
“Hi all, does anyone know the name of the lady who jumped from her burning flat as made famous by most newspapers? And or does anyone know whos shop it was?
Thank you!”
by StandUpUK
Tuesday, August 09 2011, 2:12PM
“GOOD CALL tonynorbury
See if you recognise anyone and EMAIL THE LINK BELOW TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW IN YOUR AREA
http://tinyurl.com/3zym7t5”
by tonynorbury
Tuesday, August 09 2011, 1:45PM
“everyone look at the pics of the gutterrats that did this and if you know any of them .grass them up..”
by StandUpUK
Tuesday, August 09 2011, 12:17PM
“Thanks tbabygib
Ha ha, I am a woman, but a little reluctant to flag it up as we know what happened with the last Lady PM!! ;)”
by GuyFawk
Tuesday, August 09 2011, 12:08PM
“Where is £130,000 per year, he thinks he is worth it but do you?, Cllr O'Connell who is Croydon Council's Cabinet Member responsible for Policing? He just also just happens to be the paid Met Police representative for the GLA as well as the paid Chair of the Met Police Finance committee.
So where is he when there is work to be done?
SACk HIM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”