London riots: Sony distribution centre ablaze in Enfield

by Steven Mostyn - Aug 9 2011, 10:25

With violent rioting, shop looting, and potentially deadly arson spreading throughout the streets of London after the police shot dead a man in Tottenham, Sony has now found itself a target for the opportunistic criminal fraternity.

More pointedly, the Japanese electronics giant’s sprawling distribution centre in Enfield, North London, is presently aflame and billowing thick black smoke into the atmosphere.

The company’s core UK hub for storing and distributing Blu-ray discs, DVDs, CDs and videogame software for PlayStation devices, the 20,000 square metre warehouse was looted and set alight on Monday evening.

According to an eyewitness speaking with the BBC News about the initial burglary, he was assaulted by one of around 20 people as they exiting the depot carrying a variety of Sony-branded goods.

He also suggested the thieves were likely teenagers as they left the scene on foot or on BMX bicycles rather than in cars or on motorbikes.

“We cannot determine the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage yet because it’s not possible to enter the building,” a spokesperson for Sony said regarding the ensuing fire.

With police resources already stretched across the UK capital, instances of rioting and arson have been reported in other major cities such as Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds and Liverpool.

There are currently calls for senior police officials to impose a curfew and have water cannon vehicles patrolling the streets of London in order to deter further criminal activity.

 

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