A Scotland Yard detective who worked to track down rioters has begun a round-the-world trip from the site of one of the worst-hit areas.

Julian Seal, 46, was joined by Addiscombe based-Olympic sprinter James Ellington, and Reeves Furniture Store owner Trevor Reeves on Tuesday July 17 as he launched a 35,000 mile drive accompanied just by a signed official Olympic football.

Setting off from Dover tomorrow after a short delay regarding his Land Rover, Mr Seal will drive across Europe, through Asia, the Australian outback, Africa and the Americas, in aid of Met-track, a police charity helping children avoid a life of crime.

He said: “I got delayed by paperwork issues but I’m now ready to head off. The launch was absolutely wonderful. Children from nearby Parish School were also there and they each approached me for an autograph which was quite a different experience.”

To find out more, donate and follow Mr Seal’s journey visit sport-trek.com.