19.54pm: Croydon Guardian reporter Peter Truman has filed from the scene:The streets around West Croydon station are in complete lockdown.
Swarms of youths in hoods and masks are confronting the police from every junction to London Road.
Bricks, bottles and sticks were thrown at the police line, who are armed with batons and riot shields.
Tactical support, in full riot gear, are also on the scene.
The police have set up a sterile zone between the Fox and Hounds pub and North End.
West Croydon station has been shut.
BBC Travel alert is reporting buses across London Road have been stopped and London Tramlink is suspended between Reeves Corner and East Croydon.
7.45pm:
One petrified motorist warned drivers to avoid the stretch of London Road leading up to West Croydon station as gangs of marauding youths in balaclavas were attacking cars.
The female motorist was driving to pick her dad up from work to avoid any trouble when she drove past the junction of Sumner Road and London Road.
She said: "Everyone should avoid London Road towards West Croydon station. There were gangs of youths with hoodies and balaclavas trying to open car doors as they went past.
"One gentleman hadn't locked his car and they tried to get in but he managed to drive away.
"Another car crashed as he swerved to avoid another vehicle. It is very dangerous down here and my heart is still thumping from the experience."
7.36pm:
Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Steve Kavanagh released this statement: "Our officers are out on duty across, and we have extra resources policing the capital. We will continue with this additional policing for as long as is necessary.
"Let me make it clear that people who are using current events as an excuse or cover to break the law, steal, attack police officers and cause fear to Londoners will not be tolerated by the vast majority of Londoners and us.
"Our investigation, which is massive in scope, is continuing. We are liaising with businesses and communities across London, including at a borough level to keep people up to date with what we are doing.
"I would ask Londoners if you know anything that may help us please get in touch with us via 020 8345 4142."
7.27pm: Croydon Guardian reporter Hannah Williamson has filed from the scene:
Around 200 youths are charging at police, throwing missiles before running away. Two rows of riot police are lining the junction of North End and London road with dangerous scenes unfolding near West Croydon station.
Sticks and pieces of stone and rock have been thrown at police. Youths are continuing to charge at police at the top of Tamworth road.
One teen who gave his name as Jermaine has been told by police he couldn't cross the line to go to his house.
He said: "Some of us are just trying to get home." Police have again moved the line of spectators back as bottles and bricks have started to be thrown.
