Riots contribute to average 4.8% drop in footfall on UK high streets

North of England worst impacted by looting fears as people stay away from shops and delay day trips

Shoppers have avoided high streets in recent days after rioting across England and Belfast saw shops vandalised and looted, hitting footfall for retailers and neighbouring businesses, according to new figures.

Footfall on UK high streets declined by an average 4.8% between Sunday and Wednesday from the same period the week before, according to the real estate software firm MRI Software. This compares with a smaller fall of 2.7% in all UK retail destinations, including shopping centres and out-of-town retail parks.