London riots: Croydon in flames - latest

Monday, August 8, 2011
9:50 PM

Homes and shops are on fire in Croydon, south London, set alight by young rioters.

A 200-strong mob, many of them youngsters, is wreaking destruction in the area, say reports.

A double-decker bus went up in flames in Old Palace Road. A nearby furniture shop was looted and is now burning.

Fire rages at an Aldi supermarket in London Road, which was attacked by rioters.

Two police helicopters are on the scene, along with a strong police presence.

A cordon has been set up by officers in the North End area of Croydon.

Pub manager Alan McCabe was forced to close his pub, the Old Fox and Hounds.

He branded the chaos “insane.”

“It’s an absolute war-zone. I’ve never seen anything like it,” he told BBC News.

Small-scale disturbances occurred in Croydon last night. Phone shops, foot-wear shops and jewellery shops had windows smashed and items stolen.