There was a feeling of uncertainty in Battersea on Friday afternoon as people started to come to terms with the UK's decision to leave the European Union.

Voters in Wandsworth voted to remain with 75 per cent choosing to stay in the EU on a turnout of more than 70 per cent of eligible voters.

Martin Plimmer, 63, and a writer said: "I think it's vitally important to have unity in a world where too often there is discord and aggression. For me, the great consequence of the War was the unification of Europe, and it remains a great idea, so it was an emotional vote for me.

"I felt sick, really ill- I didn't want to eat. I woke up early and saw it and immediately and my heart sank, it was like being told you have got a got a dreadful disease that's going to be very difficult to cure." 

Dennis Amer, 70, who is retired said: "I think it [the EU] is a sinking ship and we should come off before it goes down. I will be hit in the pocket with investments [in the short term] but the economy will bounce back. 

"It was uncertain territory whichever way we voted."

Abi Brockis, 25, a nurse, said: "I think we can't predict what going to happen in the future so it's safer to stay a member. 

"I wasn't able to register to vote, but I was heartbroken when I saw the result especially when you look at how the different regions voted.

"I guess I can't really say anything because I didn't vote."

Katharine Lynch, 37, and teacher, said: "We are stronger as a collective, the whole point of the EU is to protect each other, so I feel really sad, I feel really sad for my unborn children and really sad for the children I teach; sad and ashamed.

"I was almost late for work, I so sure it was going to be a positive [Remain] vote and then I turned on my phone and thought oh f***... everyone is in shock, it feels like a death."

Theo Vardakastanis, 25, a bartender, said: "I didn't vote. After the last election it felt completely crap, like 'why did I bother voting?'

"It doesn't seem like anything ever changes in support of the public so I'd rather just get on with my life without thinking about it."