Rioters Target Colliers Wood

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At least three stores set on fire during violence

The Priory and Tandem Shopping Centres in Colliers Wood were targeted as the outbreak of riots in London spread across the capital.

Reports of the shopping centres being caught up in the mob violence broke before 7pm on Monday (August 8) and PC World, Harveys and Mothercare were set ablaze (see right).

Shops including Jessops, JD Sports, Coral bookmakers and the nearby Total petrol station were also involved as looters tried to gain access to them.

A police van was reportedly attacked with rocks and the fire brigade were said to have rescued looters from PC World.

Local residents reported looters walking down nearby Fortescue Road armed with stolen goods.

A fashion shop in Wimbledon Village had its windows shattered (right) and there were also reports of trouble around Wimbledon town centre.

Elsewhere in South and West London there were outbreaks of trouble in areas including Croydon, Clapham, Ealing and Streatham.

Staff arriving at the Tandem Centre for work on Tuesday found most it sealed off, with many stores unable to open.

Merton council leader Stephen Alambritis and police borough commander Dick Wolfenden put out the following joint statement:

"As you have seen in the national media coverage, many areas of London suffered violence and looting over night. The Tandem Centre in our own Colliers Wood was targeted by criminals intent on committing both arson and looting.

"Council officers have been working around the clock with very brave officers from the Metropolitan Police and the London Fire Brigade.

"There can be no defence of this criminality, and the council will continue to work with the police to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"We ask that if anyone has information about those involved in the violence and looting in Colliers Wood or at any of the other locations affected by the violence, they contact the police."

Were you caught up in the violence? Why not comment on our forum?

August 9, 2011