Several shops in Hackney have been targeted by looters – windows were smashed and goods stolen during an uneasy night in the borough yesterday (Sunday, August 7).

Shopkeepers are nervous there could be more trouble to come following the riots in Tottenham over the weekend.

Tesco Express was targeted by brick-throwing yobs who smashed the windows at the store on Kingsland Road, Dalston, and Argos in nearby Sandringham Road was hit too.

Kingsland Shopping Centre was also allegedly attacked - and although it was open this morning, it has now been closed.

A police spokeswoman told the Gazette a group of 20 men allegedly broke into the centre and stole items from Foot Locker and T-mobile, and attempted to rob JD Sports.

Officers arrived within minutes and chased the suspects – 12 were arrested for burglary and criminal damage.

One has been bailed to a later date, because he needs medical treatment, but the remaining suspects are being held at police stations across the capital.

The spokeswoman said: “The shopping centres within Hackney have extensive CCTV coverage, which enabled the police to respond and make arrests last night and will continue to be carefully monitored as we conduct reassurance patrols.”

Lee Costley, who works at Barclays 4 Bikes in Kingsland Road, said friends at a neighbouring business – a cab office – told him they chased off a gang of young men who were attempting to break open the shop’s shutters last night.

He said: “They had a go, but they didn’t actually get in. I’m going to think about how to tighten up our security tonight. It’s worrying.”

Many shops along Mare Street are closed this afternoon as nervous shopkeepers decided to shut up shop early.