Boris visits Hackney in response to riots

Mayor of London Boris Johnson was in Hackney this morning (Weds) to offer his support to shopkeepers who saw their stores ransacked by looters during the riots last week.

Mr Johnson had already visited the borough to meet with firefighters in Stoke Newington on Friday, August 12, to praise them for their work during the disturbances. But he was criticised by the borough’s London Assembly member, Jennette Arnold, for not meeting with affected residents and business owners.

During today’s visit, Mr Johnson made a point of visiting Sivaharan Kandiah, whose shop Clarence Convenience was almost completely gutted by looters and thugs.

Mr Kandiah told the Gazette: “His office phoned me this morning and said he wanted to see me.

“We’ve done lots of cleaning, but the papers wanted a picture of Boris sweeping, so he got a broom but it was just for the cameras really.

“I’m pleased he came to Hackney to see the damage.”