On Tuesday afternoon, in broad daylight, dozens of hooded youths invaded the high street in Clapham, south London. They swarmed into shops, blocked traffic, lit fires on Clapham Common and caused chaos that forced several chain stores to close their doors in the middle of the day. The Metropolitan Police confirmed two arrests, but images posted on social media showed a stark reality: officers were outnumbered and desperately trying to bring the situation under control.
Shops closed, families stuck inside
The Marks & Spencer Food Hall on Clapham High Street closed early after already being the target of a similar attack at the weekend which ended in two arrests. Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and McDonald’s have taken the same decision. According to British media, families who were in Sainsbury’s were locked inside while teenagers took control of the street. Traffic came to a complete standstill, with cars stuck on the road as groups of youths occupied the road.
The police, overwhelmed by the situation
Videos shared on social media show police officers trying to disperse the groups, but without much success. Police issued a dispersal order, meaning anyone congregating in the area was required to leave. Two teenage girls were arrested and taken to the station. The Metropolitan Police said officers remain in the area to provide support to residents and traders.
Meeting organized on social networks
It was not a spontaneous action. Comments on social media suggest the gathering was pre-arranged. Many teenagers called the event “the Clapham courts linkup” or simply “Clapham courts”. The same formula was used before Saturday’s incidents, when more than 100 youths stormed the M&S store. Three teenage girls were arrested for theft and assault.
Fireworks on Clapham Common
As well as the chaos in the shops, fires were lit on Clapham Common and in the nearby park. Police rushed to put them out while simultaneously trying to manage the crowds on the main street. The footage went viral on social media, with users describing it as an example of “lawless London”.
What does this mean for those who live in the area?
Clapham is one of the areas in South London with a significant Romanian community. Many families live and shop right on the high street where Tuesday and Saturday’s scenes took place. The fact that stores such as Sainsbury’s and M&S are closing their doors in the middle of the day for fear of being raided raises serious questions about safety on the capital’s streets. If the police fail to stop the phenomenon after two consecutive incidents, who will?
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