Music tycoon Simon Cowell has donated $80,000 (£50,000) to the fund for those affected by the U.K. riots this past week.

The civil unrest began in London last weekend (August 6-7) and quickly spread across the country as rioters attacked city centres, smashed windows, looted shops and set buildings and property on fire. Hundreds of businesses have been forced to shut their doors in order to repair the damage.

Britain's Express Newspapers group has established a special fund for riot victims as part of the 'Reclaim Our Streets' crusade.

TV talent judge Cowell has headed up the cause with an $80,000 donation, and said he is happy to help the initiative.

He told the Daily Express, "A lot of families and businesses desperately need some help right now and I back any campaign which achieves this."

Watch Simon Cowell's interview with Piers Morgan on CNN here: