Merton Liberal Democrat Council group leader Iain Dysart has expressed his shock and regret at the events of the last few nights in London.

"Along with everyone else, I've watched with horror as events in London have unfolded since last week.

"Last night a number of shops and businesses in Merton, mainly at the Tandem Centre in Colliers Wood, were targeted by opportunists intent on criminal damage and looting - this is simply despicable.

"Our thoughts are with those people and businesses affected by the events in London - both directly and indirectly. There is simply no excuse for this theft and vandalism, whether we're talking about Morthercare in Colliers Wood, a cat rescue charity shop in Enfield, or a Co-op in Croydon. The rioters are not just damaging property, but they're hurting real people - threatening businesses, livelihoods and homes.

"But we do have strong communities in London, as we have seen from the volunteers across the city getting together to clean up after the riots. Councils should do what they can to facilitate people helping put their communities back on track and sort out their areas. In the long-term, we must work out ways to reduce the alienation that allows a minority to think this criminality is acceptable behaviour.

"Anyone with any information about the looting and criminal damage here in Merton should contact the local police (http://cms.met.police.uk/met/boroughs/merton/index)"

Useful information:

Riot victims help: personal insurance, business insurance, crisis loans - information provided by MoneySavingExpert.com

Wimbledon Guardian coverage of the rioting in Colliers Wood and the reaction.

Message from the Leader of Merton Council and Merton Borough Police Commander