�An army of volunteers, carrying brooms, dustpans and brushes took part in an organised “clean-up” of Chalk Farm and Camden Town on Tuesday, following a night of rioting and violence.

A nanny, IT expert and teacher were among the throng of volunteers who were determined to restore peace in Camden and help sweep away the debris.

Yobs rampaged through Chalk Farm and Camden Town from 8pm on Monday night until 5am on Tuesday, smashing shops and looting premises for designer clothing, expensive bicycles and food.

The window of Domino’s Pizza in Regent’s Park Road was smashed by rioters. Earlier in the evening, terrified staff had locked themselves in and had to be escorted off the premises by police as yobs circled outside.

Evans Cycles in Chalk Farm Road was also targeted by looters who battered the window and helped themselves to designer bikes. Sainsbury’s was ransacked and food and wine was smeared all over the floor.

However, by 10am on Tuesday, a glimmer of hope and community spirit had returned, when volunteers turned up in droves to offer their help.

A Twitter account called @riotcleanup enabled people who wanted to do something positive after Monday’s riots, to co-ordinate their efforts and take part in the clean-up operation.

Jessica Parr, 30, lives in the Prince of Wales Road. A part-time nanny, she joined in a clean-up operation which met at Chalk Farm tube at 10am.

“I wanted to tidy up my neighbourhood and help out. I was really saddened and frightened by the violence,” she said. “It is really disappointing that a few people have ruined it for everyone else.”

A 46-year-old man from St John’s Wood who also joined in the clean-up added: “It’s our community and unless we do something about it, it’s going to carry on.”

Traders had arrived early at their businesses to assess damage and sweep away any broken glass. Undeterred, the volunteers moved on to other parts of London which had been damaged, taking the Overground to Hackney and Clapham to offer their help.

n The man whose death in Tottenham sparked the wave of riots which has swept through the UK, Mark Duggan, did not fire at police officers in the run up to his death, ballistic tests indicate.

n A handgun was found at the scene, but there is no evidence that it was fired during the incident, the IPCC added.

n Operation Withern is investigating the disorder and violence which took place in London. Anyone with information should call the Major Investigation Team on 020-8345 4142. Information can also be passed to police via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.