Adam Kingshott, who lives in one of the London suburbs worst hit by rioting and looting, has told SBS he's scared of what may happen next.
Mr Kingshott lives in Streatham and works in Croydon, some of the suburbs worst affected by the riots.
"As I was cycling home from work, all the shops were closed and there was a big police presence, and there was a lot of youth on the streets, and they are not older than 17 or 18...The atmosphere is so tense," he told SBS.
"There's buildings on fire and the sad thing is it's independent businesses.
"Rioters are throwing rocks, missiles at the police and they are building barriers across the roads.
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"These young kids are just looting sport shops, phone shops, electrical...anything that looks they can sell on. No one has a handle on this at the moment".
Mr Kingshott says he is scared as it looks like police are not able to contain the riots, and there's talks of calling in the army.
"Last night I've never heard something like it. When I was cycling home I felt for the first time a bit on edge.
"I really wanted to get away, but I actually feel sorry for those people who live in these areas. They can't get away. They have nowhere to go. Some people have been trying to leave London and get away.
"This is a terrible day for London," he said.
