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JAILED: Andrew Burls

AN ARSONIST who destroyed two shops during the summer disorder has been jailed for eight years - the longest sentence for anyone convicted in relation to last summer’s disorder so far.

Andrew Burls, 23, of Peckham, south London, was convicted after CCTV footage and witness accounts identified him looting, damaging businesses and private property along Peckham High Street and Rye Lane on the afternoon and evening of Monday 8 August.



Footage shows him making the initial attack on the Iceland store in Rye Lane, smashing and removing a window before entering as part of a large group.

A fire is then started by Burls at the Post Office, where he is seen placing burning material onto a pile of documents already knocked to the floor. 



Finally Burls is captured walking towards Regens clothing where he is seen brandishing a small yellow object, believed to be a cigarette lighter, shortly before the premises is engulfed in flames.

The fire spread to Greggs the bakers next door, and the residential flats above which were occupied at the time with residents having to flee their homes. 



Detective Inspector Daniel O'Sullivan said, "Burls' actions during the disorder and criminality we saw in Southwark in August not only showed a complete disregard for the law and his own community, but a total disregard for the lives of the people who lived above the premises he recklessly set alight and the damage he has caused.

"Today has seen the longest prison sentence given in relation to the disorder in Southwark, which reflects the seriousness of these offences.”