Looters raided shops in Barking last night, costing businesses tens of thousands of pounds.

Yobs armed with bricks clashed with riot police, smashing windows and setting cars alight from 7pm.

Vicarage Field shopping centre in Ripple Road shut at 2.30pm today, after its Warren James jewellers and a Vodafone store were targeted by looters.

Staff at Warren James estimate tens of thousands of pounds of gold and jewellery was stolen.

Tesco in Highbridge Road and JD Sports in Ripple Road were also looted.

Rioters smashed windows of council offices in Ripple Road and vandalised Comet and Coral bookmakers.

A Trade Local meeting expected to take place at the Spotted Dog pub in Longbridge Road, Barking, today has been cancelled.