GARETH Thomas has followed in the footsteps of the Prime Minister and the Mayor of London by cutting his holiday short following riots and disruption across the capital last night.
The MP for Harrow West will head back from the south of France this evening because he feels 'it is only right' to be around to help reassure people in his constituency.
His announcement that he will return comes hours after Harrow's most senior officials called on people to take pride in the community spirit in the borough in a bid to prevent disruption in Harrow tonight.
In a joint statement released by Harrow police and Harrow Council they have called for calm in Harrow this evening following riots, looting and fires across London last night.
They have confirmed that Harrow managed to steer clear of any major disruptions last night and have revealed that the boroughs two main shopping centres will close early tonight as a precaution. The statement reads: "As you will be aware, there has been widespread public disorder in London over the last three nights, which has been widely reported in the media both at local, regional and national level.
"Last night a small number of young people gathered in Harrow Town Centre but were successfully dispersed by the police without any criminal damage taking place.
"The police and the council are working closely together to monitor the situation this evening and as a precaution both St Ann’s Centre and St George’s Centre will shut at 6pm this evening.
"However, we want to reassure you that the police are well-prepared to deal with any disturbance if it were to arise this evening. "We are asking all parents to please make sure you know where your children are.
"Parents and guardians have a responsibility to keep them out of harms way.
"We are rightly proud of our borough and of the people who live here and hope the strong sense of community spirit which exists in Harrow will ensure that people will think twice before damaging their own community.
"Any incidents that do take place will be thoroughly investigated and Operation Kirkin has been set up to investigate the disorder and violence in parts of London over the weekend. An incident room has been set up. Anyone with information should call the major investigation team on 020 8345 4142.
"The MPS has extra resources on duty across the capital. We are carefully monitoring any intelligence and ensuring we have our resources in the right places to support the ongoing policing plan. We will continue to respond to the needs of London’s communities and deal with any incidents of criminality.
"In the event of an emergency, call the emergency number 999. If you have any information you wish to provide to police anonymously you can contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111."
The statement was issued by the leader of Harrow Council, councillor Bill Stephenson, borough commander of Harrow police, Chief Superintendent Dal Babu and the chief executive of Harrow Council Michael Lockwood.
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n. Have you seen any disruption in Harrow or Brent? Email reporter David Baker at davidbaker@trinitysouth.co.uk
