RIOTS: Precautions in Southwark

Palestra is home to Transport for London's surface transport control centre which coordinates the operation of bus services and main roads in the capital.

"We absolutely condemn the violence that has taken place in Southwark and call for calm," said Southwark Council leader Peter John following serious trouble in Peckham and disturbances in Walworth Road on Monday evening.

"There is absolutely no justification for such behaviour and we ask residents to stay away from the affected area.

"We are working with the police to attempt to restore order and will work closely with the wider community, the overwhelming majority of whom would condemn these acts of senseless violence.

"It is important for the whole community that we all pull together now and in the days ahead."

The Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre closed at 7pm and Southwark libraries also closed early.

Cathedrals Ward councillor David Noakes sent a message to residents during the evening asking for any incidents to be reported.

Bermondsey & Old Southwark MP Simon Hughes called on residents to stay at home unless they had an urgent reason for being out on the streets.

"I call on all parents, elders and other family members now to make sure that their teenagers and young adults stay inside and are not out on the streets," said the MP.

"And there is just one simple message for young people. Don't give in to the temptation to trash your own communities – these are the places which we all need for our future jobs, housing and prosperity."

Trains in and and out of London Bridge Station ran non-stop through other Southwark stations.

Following reports of a late night break-in and looting at Argos and Sports Direct in Old Kent Road, Police officers from outside the borough were called in early on Tuesday to guard the precinct and preserve evidence for prosecutions.

Nearby Tesco was trading as usual on Tuesday morning whilst staff repaired broken windows.

But Barclays in Tower Bridge Road remained closed after the frontage was damaged. The vandalised AMT machine continued to be available for use by customers.

The Prime Minister, immediately after announcing a recall of Parliament, was driven to the Metropolitan Gold Command HQ in Lambeth to meet officers and other staff.