The man accused of torching House of Reeves had just looted a department store with "brazen dishonesty", a court heard today.

Gordon Thompson left the House of Fraser store in Centrale shopping centre clutching armfuls of goods as rioters ran amok on August 8 last year, the Old Bailey was told.

The 33-year-old then directed other looters into the store in an act of "incredible arrogance" according to the prosecution.

The father of two then travelled to the House of Reeves furniture store, where he is accused of stealing a laptop before setting the 150-year-old store ablaze.

At his trial, the jury were shown CCTV footage from Centrale shopping centre from the night of the riots.

Prosecuting, Oliver Glasgow said: "the footage of this is truly shocking.

"The mere idea that a mob could descend upon a shopping centre in broad daylight force their way inside terrify the security staff and leave with armfuls of stolen goods is astonishing. The reality is even more incredible."

Mr Thompson is seen holding up the shutters of House of Fraser as other looters pile in to steal goods.

Mr Glasgow said: "The brazen dishonesty that he and others who left centrale with armfuls of stolen items displayed can only be described as appalling."

Earlier the court had heard how a freelance photographer had captured the moment Mr Thompson had left Iceland in Croydon laden with looted items.

Greg McDonald was in Surrey Street when he noticed the defendant, who lives in Waddon Road, leaving Iceland with a box of bottles.

The quick-thinking snapper started to photograph Mr Thompson, who noticed the camera.

The court heard how Mr Thompson began to approach Mr McDonald in an aggressive manner and the photographer feared he was about to be attacked.

But Mr McDonald then made to congratulate Mr thompson on his looting, saying "well done mate".

The jury were told Mr Thompson then grinned before making off with his booty.

Mr McDonald subsequently handed over the photos to the police.

Mr Thomson denies arson with intent to endanger life, burglary and violent disorder.

He has previously pleaded guilty to burglary from Iceland and House of Fraser.

The trial continues.