More than 40 people have been arrested in relation to the looting and rioting in Colliers Wood, with raids continuing this week.

Merton police search teams entered two homes in Mitcham and one in Wimbledon in the the early hours of Monday.

At one address a 30-year-old-man, Alain Nsharza, was arrested and charged with attempted burglary at PC World – he will appear at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday).

Acting Detective Inspector Teresa Foster said: “Uniformed and detective police officers have been working around the clock to bring those responsible to justice.

“Merton Police have set up a dedicated investigation team to analyse hundreds of hours of CCTV and liaise with all the businesses that have suffered damage. So far more than 40 people have been arrested for offences ranging from handling stolen goods, burglary and violent disorder.

“Warrants are being executed by Operation Withern (the London-wide operation to arrest rioters and looters) investigation team on a daily basis.

“We will continue until we locate all those responsible for the unprecedented widespread looting and extreme violence that occurred in our community that night.”

A police spokesman said items seized in the raids include clothing and electronic goods, as well as drugs found at the homes of suspected looters. Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111