Croydon North's new MP Steve Reed used his maiden speech in Parliament yesterday to condemn the lack of support for the constituency's "abandoned" residents since the riots.

Mr Reed, who eased to victory in the November 29 byelection, told the House of Commons: "There is real concern that the help and investment promised after last year’s riots have not come through.

"Croydon was one of the areas worst hit by the riots, and Croydon North bore the brunt of the mindless hooliganism, looting, burning and destruction that so appalled the nation in the summer of last year."

He drew attention to the plight of some of the families most badly affected by the riots, including Charlene Munro and her four-year-old son Cam'ron, who fled their London Road flat during the disorder and returned the next day to find it burned down.

Mr Reed said: "Instead of getting the help they needed, they feel abandoned.

"These are hard-working people—the backbone of their community, strivers.

"I want to make a plea on their behalf and on behalf of so many others like them that the promises made to Croydon North after the riots be met in full."