The Metropolitan Police have said that more arrests are expected, and for parents to ‘take responsibility’ after mobs of youths stormed down a South London high street yesterday.
After videos emerged showing hundreds of young people descending onto Clapham High Street, the Metropolitan Police have said that more arrests are to come. They have warned: “(If) you have not yet been arrested does not mean you will not be.”
On Saturday, March 28 and Tuesday, March 31, hundreds of young people took to Clapham High Street and caused damage to shops inside and out. Shops were forced to close earlier to avoid further escalation, with some stores even keeping shoppers inside. It was reported that the young people were being encouraged to take part in this challenge to cause chaos on social media sites such as TikTok.
On March 28, three teenage girls were arrested on suspicion of theft and assault following anti-social behaviour. The police are encouraging parents and guardians to keep an eye on their children’s whereabouts during the upcoming Easter Bank Holiday.
Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, who leads policing in the area, said: “We recognise the concern that this incident will have caused the community in Clapham. We have a clear plan in place should any further disorder take place in the coming days, and we are in close contact with our partners and businesses in the area.
“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.
Police message directly to parents
“The parents/ 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.”
The Met will increase police presence in the area and the use of dispersal orders, as officers take a zero-tolerance approach. A Section 35 dispersal order allows police to direct individuals to leave a specified area for up to 48 hours if their presence or behaviour is likely to contribute to harassment, alarm, distress, crime or disorder.
Sadiq Khan hits out at ‘absolutely unacceptable’ scenes
In a statement released this afternoon, Mayor of London 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. “There will be an increased police presence in the area in the coming days, with officers providing support and reassurance to residents and businesses.”
The Met Police have also stressed there are “strong plans in place” to counter any further disorder in Clapham. A Met Police spokesperson said: “This is not harmless fun. If anyone takes part in or organises disorder, they will face the consequences including arrest. “We recognise the concern that this incident will have caused the community in Clapham. We have strong plans in place and are working closely with local partners and businesses. Our officers will remain highly visible across the area, and any disorder, theft or planned meet‑ups will be dealt with robustly.”
Don’t miss out on the biggest local stories. Sign up to our MySouthLondon newsletter HERE for all the latest daily news and more
