The rioters and looters should be locked up

The mindless damage and riots in Ealing, across London and the country has been caused by criminals who I have no respect for what so ever. However young or old no-one has the right to damage property, commit arson or steal property from shops.

Many local shopkeepers have not had a good time over the past few years. Any damage to the area or their property just takes away what our High Streets are about – diversity and people grafting to make a living.

When I was in South Ealing on Monday evening at the time of the riots the smoke from a fire near to the Grove pub was so acrid. Crowds of people wondered whether any of the buildings were on fire.

We often see the bravery of cameramen – in war zones - but in Ealing one of the Gazette’s journos was brave getting pictures and reports as to what was happening. A fellow councillor in my Liberal Democrat party had a bottle thrown at his car.

Back home now many friends do not feel safe in London. Clearly the time has come to add to the numbers of the police by drafting in the army.

These mindless, misguided and evil rioters and thieves need to be shown that they cannot do as they wish. They need to pay back in terms of time doing a very large amount of community service as well as paying back for all the damage they have caused.

Sadly when this nightmare is over Ealing, other parts of London and the country will take a lot of time to get over this sad episode in our history.