Support services group Interserve said it is working hard to clear up the mess caused by the riots and looting in London and other parts of the country.

Chief executive Adrian Ringrose praised the work of staff, who he said are helping with boarding up, replacing windows and providing extra security.

The group provides cleaning and shop-fitting services for many of the UK's high street names, including betting chain William Hill, pharmacy group Boots, Homebase, Sainsbury's and HSBC, many of which have seen shops and branches targeted over the past week.

It also works for Croydon and Ealing councils, two of the London boroughs most badly affected by the unrest as well as providing back-office support for the Metropolitan Police.