The Co-operative Group reopened its store in New Addington, near Croydon, this week, four months after it was destroyed by fire in this year’s riots.

The store was looted and torched in the early hours of 9 August as violence and looting swept parts of London and the UK.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a mob of about 25 people attack the shutters of the store, gain entry and then leave with baskets full of stolen goods.

It is the last of the 12 affected Co-op Food stores to reopen following the riots and suffered the most serious damage.

Local schoolchildren cut the ribbon on the new store, which underwent extensive work, including structural repairs, costing £540,000.

“We are delighted that the New Addington store will once again be back in business, and the manager, Kenny Tyler, and the store team are looking forward to welcoming customers back,” said acting Co-op Food CEO Sean Toal.

More than 100 Co-op Group stores were forced to temporarily close during the riots. Two members of staff were also attacked at a forecourt store in Streatham. Speaking at the time, CEO Peter Marks said there was “no justification for this wanton and senseless violence”.

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