Rioters were spoilt for choice last year when they ransacked shops across London, according to Dixons chief executive Seb James.

Speaking at the UKTI Great Britain retail event last week, James told of his surprise in the aftermath of last August’s riots, to find trainers scattered around his Brixton Currys store.

It seems that on seeing the laptops, televisions and MP3 players on offer, the greedy gang dropped their footwear stash to grab the more valuable electricals.