A fast food restaurant has become a safe haven for the public.

McDonald's, in St John's Road, Battersea, signed up to become a CitySafe Haven on Thursday.

Philipa Guovbadia, assistant manager, said she was inspired to join the scheme after she helped a rape victim who ran into the store.

She said the incident, which took place at McDonald's in Brixton 10 years ago, has had a lasting affect.

Ms Guovbadia, of Streatham, said: "A woman ran into my shop, I was able to help her.

"We put a sticker in the window if anyone feels threatened and is in trouble they can help and speak to us we can call the police to make you feel safe.

"Sometimes things don't get reported to the police, I think for example the woman that I helped I thought she would not report it because she was that scared.

"These people get away with things, this is why I got involved."

Businesses signing up to the initiative display a sticker on their window, meaning anyone feeling threatened can seek refuge inside.

McDonald's was a flashpoint during the riots, and is a common meeting place for young people.

Ben Pollard, from Citizens UK, which is promoting the project, added that tensions still flare up occasionally when pupils from different schools converge.

Ms Guovbadia met with parishioners from St Luke's Church and students from St John Bosco College to launch the scheme.

They also visited other shops including KFC and The Party Superstore, who also showed their interest in signing up. Clapham Junction became a CitySafe Zone last June, with Papine Jerk, in Ingrave Street and Sunrise Convenience Store in Plough Road also signing up to the scheme.