Police warn of more arrests ‘in days’ after youths sparked mayhem on Clapham High Street

Police issued a stern warning to parents after children caused mayhem on a south London high street again, just days after dozens of teenagers stormed shops and clashed with officers.

Six girls, aged 13 to 17, were arrested and five people assaulted, including four police officers.

The anti-social behaviour was apparently sparked after “link-ups” arranged on social media sites including TikTok and Snapchat.

One officer was taken to hospital as a precaution after suffering an injury to his arm while making an arrest.

The Metropolitan Police said a “robust and visible” policing plan is put in place for Wednesday afternoon to prevent a repeat of chaos that erupted on Clapham High Street on Tuesday and Saturday.

Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, who leads policing in the area, warned more arrests will be made over coming days hear team trawl through a significant volume of CCTV and body-worn video.

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A force spokesman said: “Just because you have not yet been arrested does not mean you will not be.

“Specialist officers are also working to identify those who played a leading or organising role, so that ringleaders and others encouraging this behaviour can be held to account.”
Footage at the weekend showed screaming teenagers pushing each other and knocking food off shelves at a Marks and Spencer store, as others filmed the scenes on their phones.

The mob targeted nearby a nearby branch of Boots “very badly” and a local Waitrose stuck a “police advised” closure notice onto its front door.

Further trouble broke out on Tuesday with reports of shops being forced to close and families barricaded inside a supermarket, as several hundred young people “terrorised” the neighbourhood again.

On Clapham Common, they lit fires and set off fireworks.

An M&S security guard told the Daily Mail he had to lock shoppers in for a short while, before gradually allowing them to be escorted out by officers.

Acting on information suggesting plans for a repeat last night, a dispersal order was authorised in advance and additional officers were deployed to ensure any anti-social behaviour could be dealt with quickly.

Ahead of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, Scotland Yard made clear that anyone involved in similar events or caught promoting them will be dealt with decisively.

They expect social media companies to play their part by taking responsibility for content on their platforms that promotes or incites disorder.

Det Ch Supt Bond said: “We recognise the concern that this incident will have caused the community in Clapham.

“Our officers will continue to maintain a strong, visible presence around Clapham and we will respond robustly to any reports of disorder, thefts or planned meet-ups.

“I’d urge those young people who think this is just a bit of fun to carefully consider the consequences.

“Events like this, fuelled by online trends and viral content on platforms such as TikTok, can quickly escalate and lead to serious outcomes.

“If you join in or cause further disorder, you should expect to be arrested and risk a criminal record, which can have long-lasting consequences for your future, including employment opportunities and potentially your ability to travel.

“There is widespread CCTV coverage on streets and in businesses in the area and we’re already reviewing that footage, as well as officers’ body-worn video cameras, to identify those who committed offences on Saturday and last night.

“The parents or guardians of those involved in last night’s disorder also have a role to play.

“I’d appeal to them to take responsibility – to be proactive in knowing where their children are and who they’re with, and to take steps to make sure they’re not involved in this sort of unacceptable antisocial behaviour.”
London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said: “The appalling scenes in Clapham in recent days are absolutely unacceptable and those responsible will face the full force of the law.

“Arrests have been made and the Met is continuing to investigate.

“There will be an increased police presence in the area in the coming days, with officers providing support and reassurance to residents and businesses.”
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, the Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton, added: “I’m very concerned by the recent scenes of unrest on Clapham High Street.

“This intimidating behaviour causes havoc for local residents and businesses alike.

It is inexcusable.”