THOMPSON: HISTORIC FURNITURE SHOP WENT UP IN FLAMES WHEN ARSONIST TORCHED WINDOW DISPLAY

An arsonist was caught on film as he started the furniture store blaze which became the symbol of the London Riots, a court heard today.

Gordon Thompson, 33, lives minutes from Reeves of Croydon and set fire to the shop by putting a lighter to a sofa in the window, it has emerged.

The family business survived two World Wars but was reduced to ashes in hours during the disturbances earlier this month.

Shaven-headed painter and decorator Thompson made his first appearance at Crown court in custody, wearing a red long-sleeved top with the word ‘Fighter’ emblazoned on the front.

Gregor McKinley, prosecuting, told Inner London Crown Court: ‘This case arises out of the civil disturbances and burning of Reeves furniture store in Croydon.

‘Footage was taken by a member of the public on mobile telephone, in which he is allegedly shown setting light to a sofa in a front window display.’

The film is said to show Thompson smashing the glass before putting a lighter flame to the settee.

Thompson is also accused of looting a laptop from Reeves and ‘various items’ from the nearby House of Fraser department store.

The street on which the shop stood, Reeves Corner, was named after the business founded in Croydon in 1867.

Thompson’s street, Waddon Road, is just a few minutes’ walk from the scene separated by a main road.

He did not indicate any pleas to two counts of arson, one of recklessly endangering life and the other with intent to endanger life, two of burglary and one of violent disorder on Monday, August 8, this year.

Judge Roger Chapple remanded the suspect in custody as before ahead of a pleas and case management hearing on September 26.

He said: ‘On the next occasion you will be asked whether you plead guilty or not guilty to the charges the prosecution bring.’

Thompson spoke only to confirm his name during the 10-minute hearing.

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