The looting, smashing and burning of properties in London during a weekend of riots that started in Tottenham, has been condemned by the British Retail Consortium.
Stores such as JD Sports, Boots, Specsavers, Carpetright, H&M and HMV were among properties attacked during riots that began on Tottenham High Road, then spread to Tottenham Hale retail park, Wood Green, Enfield and Brixton.
Stephen Robertson, director general of the BRC, said: “I deplore the violence and property damage inflicted by these criminal actions. I have the greatest sympathy for those who have lost businesses.”
He added: “Clearly, with high streets under pressure anyway, at least some of the businesses destroyed will not be able to re-establish themselves, causing long-term damage.”
The riots broke out following a peaceful protest led by the family of a man who was reportedly shot dead by police in Tottenham last week.
joanna.bourke@estatesgazette.com
