A victim of the London Riots is running the London Marathon to raise money for Crimestoppers.

Peter Romanov, 45, from Carshalton, had to abandon his car after being confronted by rioters in Lewisham in August 2011 on his way home from work.

He said: "I was luckier than many others who got caught up in the riots in so much that I came to no physical harm – cars, mobile phones, laptops – all material stuff that can be replaced".

But now Mr Romanov, who works in the security industry, wants to make a difference and turn a negative experience in to something positive.

He said: "I am giving up my time and effort in preparations for London Marathon as part of my support for charity Crimestoppers and I am hoping that in return I will receive the support and sponsorship from my colleagues, business contacts, friends and family."

Last year Mr Romanov made £3,000 for the charity by running the Virgin London Marathon in five hours 25 minutes, but this year he is hoping to shave an hour off that time.

You can sponsor Crimestoppers and Peter by visiting his online fundraising page on www.justgiving.com/Peter-Romanov-VLM2013.