UK businesses, the Mayor of London and local authorities have joined forces to help businesses affected by the riots.

The High Street Fund has been created to offer immediate cash support to small businesses across England. The fund will be made up of an initial £3m plus support from businesses including Barclays, BP, Capita, Deloitte, Lloyds Banking Group, RBS and Santander. The Mayor of London has also pledged a donation of £500,000.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “Small businesses need urgent help to repair damage and get goods back on the shelves, and the High Street Fund will help to do just that.”

Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: “We welcome this additional support for retailers on top of the £20m High Street Support Scheme, and the extension period for claims under the Riot Damages Act.”

Meanwhile, retailer charity Caravan said that the emotional impact of the riots may only be apparent now. “We are seeing an increase in calls coming from people affected emotionally by what has happened,” said spokeswoman Jenny Fryatt.

The Caravan helpline is 08088 021 122. For more details on the high street fund, call on 0800 093 5858, or go to www.thehighstreetfund.co.uk.