A man who launched an attack on police by throwing missiles during the London riots has been jailed for five years.

Darron Earle, (24), of Thyer Close, Orpington, hurled missiles at officers in Lewisham after smashing up and burgling an antique shop.

At Inner London Crown Court he admitted two charges of burglary and one of robbery.

Earle, who has now received the longest sentence so far for a person involved in the significant Lewisham disorder on August 8, 2011, was identified by officers from Op Withern using CCTV footage.

DC Dean Harding, Investigating Officer from the Operation Withern Team, said: "Earle was identified following extensive CCTV enquiries and with the help of the public has been brought to justice.

“The lengthy sentence he has received shows that we remain relentless in our pursuit of those that that terrorised and blighted our communities."

Det Supt Si Cunneen, from the Crime Command in Lewisham, said officers were still reviewing CCTV from the disorder and that further prosecutions could be brought against the individuals involved.

He added: “We are determined that those who took part in the disorder will not evade justice and will feel the full force of the law no matter how long it takes."

The court was told that Earle was the first person to be seen on CCTV with a large group of men as they smashed their way into Blackheath Antiques in the evening.

He reached into the store and grabbed goods before running away.

He then went on to attack police with missiles before burgling a JD Sports store and later robbing a Favourite Fried Chicken.

Earle and a group of men sent customers panicking into the streets as they smashed up the food outlet. A father who was inside at the time was forced to shield his new born baby.

Earle then launched a chair at staff who were trying to defend themselves before he and others ripped cash from the counter and fled.