London riots: Boy, 12, sentenced for violent disorder

A 12-year-old boy has become one of the youngest people to be sentenced over last summer's riots in London.

The boy, who has not been named, had earlier pleaded guilty to violent disorder and smashing a shop's window, causing damage put at more than £6,000.

The child, who was 11 at the time, was given a six-month youth detention order at Stratford Magistrates' Court.

He broke the window of the Golden Ivy Florist in South Street, Romford, east London, on 8 August.

CCTV footage

The Metropolitan Police said he was caught on CCTV.

Det Insp Keith Paterson, from Operation Withern, said: "I am pleased that in sentencing this individual the court has recognised his appalling behaviour, which added to the fear and misery experienced by the local businesses community and residents."

Police have not said where the boy was from.

Another boy who was 11 at the time of the riots was given an 18-month youth rehabilitation order last year for stealing from the Debenhams store in Romford.

More than 2,500 people have been charged in connection with the riots across London.