A CHARITY shop for a cat rescue centre was one of three businesses looted in a street west of Enfield Town last night.

The Scratching Post – a shop that raises money for a Hertfordshire cattery – had its front window smashed in Lancaster Road and jewellery taken from inside, as rioters who escaped police in Enfield Town fled through the area.

Looters, who also targeted two newsagents on the road, stole about £200 worth of gold jewellery, according to store manager Paula Warnes.

She said: “It's unbelievable really for what they got out of it – they can make a couple of hundred quid while we're left with a glazing bill and we have to shut the shop.

“The police said they are coming but with what they have got to deal with in Enfield and Tottenham we're probably bottom of the list right now.

“We've lost a day's money because we can't open – it's mindless.”

The store, which has been open for around eight years, is covered in shattered glass, but staff cannot clean up as they await police forensic teams.