A parade of shops in Forestdale was the scene of a "fully blown riot" after a group of youths went on the rampage.

Regulars at the Forestdale Arms pub, in Selsdon Park Road, were left battered and bruised after trying to break up the group of up to 40 youths, believed to be students at John Ruskin College, last Friday.

Shoppers at the Somerfield store at the Forestdale Centre were shaken after fireworks were reportedly thrown at the shop's windows.

Croydon police said they received several calls from members of the public about disturbances at the parade.

A spokesman said: "Police were called to reports of a large group of youths throwing fireworks along Selsdon Park Road and outside the Forestdale Arms in Croydon at around 4.30pm on Friday, October 21.

"One man was injured following a fight that broke out outside the pub, his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. He was taken by ambulance to receive treatment for a head injury."

The police spokesman said the two incidents were not being linked.

Witnesses say the youths were seen to attack residents with umbrellas, bricks as well as firing a number of fireworks across the car park.

The landlord of the Forestdale Arms, who does not want to be named, watched the trouble unfold into what he described as a "fully blown riot".

"It was all quite polite at first, people told them to leave and they did. But then others came down and started shouting and as soon as we knew it there were a group of around 30 to 40 kids swarming round the pub and they were being very aggressive.

"Then all of a sudden all the trouble started and it developed into a fully blown riot."

The landlord says this sort of behaviour is becoming an all too regular occurrence. He said: "There is currently a petition going round which has around 150 names on it.

"We are very disappointed with the response we've had from the college. They have taken the view that once they are off the college grounds they are not their responsibility."

He added: "One of my customers was hit round the head with a brick and taken to hospital. Another was hit round the head with a metal bar and another was stamped on by a number of guys. I would say the incident will have an affect on my trade and on the area in general.

"Over the last couple of days some residents have been too scared to come out."

A resident of Selsdon Park Road, saw the action unfold from his house. He said: "It was hard to tell whether they the youths were fighting between themselves or fighting the people from the pub. They have caused so much trouble."

A spokesman for Somerfield confirmed there was an incident outside the store and said no customers or staff were injured. The company is helping police with their enquires.

Jennifer Sims, principal at John Ruskin College, said the college will investigate the allegations. She said: "We always co-operate with the police and if any students of this college are found to be involved in any violent acts they would be permanently excluded.

"At the moment I can't confirm whether any of our students were involved in this incident but we will be investigating the matter."