'My children are still scared of rioters'

The shopkeeper said his children are still scared of the rioters

A shopkeeper who had his car and home attacked during last month's riots says his children do not play in the park any more because they are scared.

Parvez, who did not wish to provide his last name, said rioters in Middlesbrough on 4 August had smashed his car and used a hammer to break the windows of his home.

"My little boy was crying 'hold my hand, dad'," he said.

Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said people who experienced loss and damage during the riots could be due compensation.

Parvez said his children used to go to the local park to play regularly.

"Now they don't go to the park," he said. "They're scared, they think they [the rioters] will come back again."

Mr Storey said it was not OK that people were frightened in their own community.

He said compensation was available for those who had their possessions damaged in the riots.

"If you've been a victim of vandalism in any way, shape or form - you shouldn't have to shell out for that," he said.

The Riot Compensation Act says victims of criminal damage during civil unrest in England and Wales are entitled to claim for losses, even if they are not insured or their insurance will not pay out.