Croydon furniture store House of Reeves has been destroyed in a huge fire set off by looters in the third night of rioting across London.


The family-run store, which has stood on the site on Reeves Corner since 1867, has been completely destroyed.

Retailers in several London suburbs have been the victims of looting and arson over the past three nights, with rioting also spreading to other UK cities including Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool.

Stores including Currys in Brixton, Carpetright in Tottenham and Debenhams in Clapham Junction suffered extensive damage from looters, with people walking out carrying armfuls of stolen stock.

While many big businesses were targeted, independent stores were also attacked, putting several smaller shopkeepers out of business entirely.

British Retail Consortium director general Stephen Robertson condemned the attacks, saying: "I deplore the violence and property damage inflicted by these criminal actions. I have the greatest sympathy for those who've lost businesses, staff whose jobs are now in jeopardy and customers now without local services.

"There may be genuine economic or community relations grievances in these areas but they will not be helped by torching shops. Retail is at the heart of thriving communities. 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 Reeves family has created a Facebook page for those wanting to donate and support the restoration of the furniture store. A comment from one supporter said: "We are all devastated for you, your family and the rest of your staff. Such a mindless act on one of Croydon's famous landmarks and family businesses."

Has your business been affected by the riots? If you would like to share stories or images please get in touch at diyweek@fav-house.com.

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