RIOT UPDATE 9.40pm: Croydon landmark torched by looters
One of Croydon's most famous landmarks has been set alight by the rioters.
Reeves Corner furniture store, which has stood in the town for more than 100 years, is ablaze, along with several other shops and buildings in the town centre.
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Crowds gather as youths face off against police: Picture from Youtube video uploaded by RussiaToday
Trevor Reeves, owner of the family firm, described the arson attack as "mindless thuggery".
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.
"They should bring the Army in."
Croydon Council leader Mike Fisher has branded the disorder as "pure criminal activity by mindless thugs and morons."
He has requested police reinforcements from other areas including Surrey.
Speaking about the fire at Reeves Corner he added: "It's terrible seeing local businesses that have been around for well over 100 years being burnt to the ground.
"This has got nothing to do with what happened in Tottenham."
Mr Fisher added that the council would do whatever it could to help catch the criminals.
MP Gavin Barwell has also slammed those responsible for tonight's riots in Croydon.
Speaking in the past few minutes, he said: "I'm absolutely sickened to see this happening in our town
"My first thought is with the owners of those businesses (affected). My second thought is that it is essential that the mindless criminals responsible for this are caught."
Mr Barwell added that he hoped the rioters would have been caught on cctv and will be brought to justice.
He also welcomed David Cameron's announcement that he will be returning to the country tonight, having been on holiday in Italy.
Police officers are coming under sustained attack at the scene, while shops in West Croydon have been looted.
Our reporters at the scene have told how carjackers were targeting people in London Road, West Croydon, while shops including Tesco and Somerfield were looted.
Rioters wielding hammers have also targeted shops and businesses in the town.
Have you been caught up in the chaos? E-mail your pictures or eye-witness accounts to newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk
4 Comments
by bondski
Tuesday, August 09 2011, 2:16PM
“The Crystal Palace Triangle - businesses closing and employees going home - that was an hour ago. Information is that there are groups in Crystal Palace Park and are making their way to CP(?) this has not been confirmed by police as all SNTs and Croydon Police are on answerphone. Community Centre closed, sainsburys closed, post office closed and other businesses - 2am this morning Blockbusters and sainsburys attacked, Merlin Shoes and estate agents. I have never felt so fearful walking home in daylight as I have today and that probably goes for everybody else.”
by JennyNisbett
Tuesday, August 09 2011, 8:25AM
“Shocking as it is to hear of terrible riots....in our own country, the news cuts to your heart when you realise you know the people affected directly.
Our family know Trevor and Annette Reeve from Rallycross days and find it hard to believe this has happened to them. Such honourable people, with a genuine loyalty and care for their staff.
Our thoughts and prayers go to the family,
Jenny and Tony Nisbett”
by bondski
Tuesday, August 09 2011, 12:19AM
“I am fed up with so many "fine words" from our politicians - now let us see some leadership and action to counter this civil unrest/rioting/yobbishness and criminality - from those in so called charge! No more wringing of hands or talks of deprivation and cut backs from the namby pambies -after all we are all suffering from them and not all of us are taking the law into our own hands - this is outright lawlessness and we expect the establishment to act and act now. At what point does it have to reach until a state of emergency is declared? I think we are there - get on - lead and take control.”
by mikeyjf
Monday, August 08 2011, 10:56PM
“Send these little mindless *******s to jail and throw away the keys ... It has nothing to do with majority of youth it's a small amount.
What they done in Croydon and around London makes me a shamed to be British .... They need water cannons, army and plastic bullets to deal with this s***.....
PPl need to stop making excuses and support capital punishment and send the trouble makers into the army and then deploy them on the front lines ! Let's see how brave they are then ?”