A 13-year-old boy may be jailed for his role in the rioting and looting that hit Colliers Wood earlier this month.

His blood was found on a damaged door frame at Argos in the Tandem Centre, where he admitted attempted theft during the disturbances.

During a hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on Thursday he also pleaded guilty to following looters into three other shops on the night of August 8.

There is no evidence he took anything - but magistrates said he toured riot-hit shops intending steal, and added he faces imprisonment when he is sentenced next month.

The court heard the child from Wimbledon, who for legal reasons cannot be identified, had been swimming with his friends on the afternoon of the disorder - but later joined them in cycling to the Tandem and Priory shopping centres, where businesses were burned and looted from about 10pm.

His mother, who broke down in tears during the court appearance, said she had warned him earlier that day not to get involved in the violence - and searched his clothes and room when he eventually returned that evening.

Describing the boy's statement to police after his arrest, prosecuting lawyer Trude Scott said: "He found nothing he wanted to take so he left empty handed."

She said the court should consider the serious effect the rioting had on the community.

DNA evidence also linked him the to ransacked software shop Game, and he admitted entering JD Sports and PC World on the same night.

His lawyer said the boy was a caring young man who got caught up in the "adrenaline and excitement" of the situation, but now saw his actions were wrong.

Chair of the magistrates Tim Harrison said: "You went on a tour of riot-torn shops in the Tandem Centre intending to steal. Finding nothing, you went to PC World to see what you could get there - despite you mother's order to stay away from trouble."

He added: "We are not, at this time, ruling out locking you up."

The boy was given an overnight curfew and ordered to appear at Balham Youth Court on September 6.

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