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Sainsbury rejects aid | Daily Star Sainsbury's store

This sort of community spirit is really good

Independent retailer Brij Sehgal

Bosses turned down the cash so it could go instead to small high street shops.

Sainsbury’s was one of the worst-hit retailers during the riot terror that engulfed the UK last month.

It can claim for compensation from police under the Riot Act.

But Sainsbury’s chief executive Justin King, 50, has promised his company will waive its claims.

This will save police thousands of manhours in gathering evidence and free more funds for riot-hit ­independent retailers.

Independent retailers including Brij Sehgal, whose family-run electronics shop lost £200,000 of stock to looters, praised Sainsbury’s stance.

Mr Sehgal, 79, of Ealing, west London, said: “This sort of community spirit is really good.”