A FELTHAM man who was at the heart of riots in Croydon last August has been jailed for four years.

Adam Khan Ahmadzai threw missiles at police officers and played an active role in encouraging others to engage in the disorder on August 8.

The 20-year-old was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on January 12, after admitting one count of violent disorder, four counts of robbery, three counts of burglary, and two counts of criminal damage at an earlier hearing.

Detective Superintendent Simon Messinger from Croydon CID said: "The length of this sentence reflects the fact that Ahmadzai committed a string of serious offences on August 8.

"He was one of the very first people to throw missiles at officers and played an active role in encouraging others to engage in the disorder.

"This sentence should help to remind the public that we are committed to bringing all those involved with the disorder to justice.

"Many arrests were carried out yesterday and there are more to come and we'll be relentless in our pursuit of those who committed offences back in August."

Ahmadzai was arrested on September 28 after being captured on CCTV throwing bricks and other missiles towards lines of police.

During the disorder he also committed four robberies, including robbing a bus driver and stealing cash and a handbag from a couple after he had stolen cigarettes and alcohol from their shop.

He also robbed a man at a cash machine before damaging the device and then entering Tesco on London Road where he stole a number of items.

He then went on to commit a further burglary at a William Hill bookmakers in Thornton Heath, before causing criminal damage inside the shop.

Detective Constable David Smailes, from the Operation Withern team at Croydon, who investigated the offences added: "The weight of evidence against him was extremely great, and the severity of the offences has led to this sentence being handed down by the judge.

"The only crumb of comfort is that his victims did not have to go through the ordeal of a trial after he pleaded guilty."

Anyone with information about the disorder in Croydon can still contact the dedicated Incident Room on 020 8649 0208 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555