Police have denied rumours of a stabbing at a widely-attended event in Sutton town centre publicised by a TikTok influencer.
Around 300 youths gathered in and around High Street yesterday (January 22) to witness a blind date set up by a local social media personality.
Police were filmed tussling with the crowd as officers responded to a “disturbance in the crowd” - but there were no arrests and no injuries.
Rich Lloyd-Ablitt, police superintendent for Sutton, said in a letter to local residents: “I am aware that there were social media reports of a stabbing at the gathering.
READ MORE: Police use extra powers after 200 youths gather for TikTok ‘blind date’ in Sutton
“These reports are false, there was not a stabbing at the gathering and our policing plan, along with work with our partners, ensured the event ended safely.”
But Luke Taylor MP for Sutton and Cheam described the event as a “pain for local residents [with]... a lot of antisocial behaviour”.
The crowd was drawn by Croydon-based influencer BusyTV, who arranged the latest in a series of ‘blind dates’, where a couple are set up on a public blind date.
Crowds gather to watch as the blindfolded couple are asked questions about their dating preferences.
The blindfold is then removed, with the couple told they should run away if they do not like the other person.
Videos of the event have been viewed thousands of times, with one clip being seen over 23,500 alone.
@arav271111 Sutton blind dates were crazy @asmithaa @Eason @samC0l3 #sutton ♬ original sound - joathxn
Officers in videos can initially be seen smiling with attendees at the event, with Lloyd-Ablitt describing the gathering as “friendly and excited in nature”.
However, at around 4.45pm officers responded to a “disturbance within the crowd” and footage shows attendees being restrained and ordered to move back by officers.
There were no injuries and no arrests.
A section 35 dispersal order was put in place for the town centre.
This is a temporary measure that allows police officers to order individuals to leave a specified area and not return for up to 48 hours.
Luke Taylor MP for Sutton and Cheam said: “There is a lot of misinformation being shared about the disruption on Sutton high street on Thursday afternoon.
“The gathering was a pain for local residents, and there was a lot of antisocial behaviour, but there was no stabbing.
Rich Lloyd-Ablitt wrote: “I am writing to you all regarding an event that took place on Thursday 22nd January in Sutton High Street.
Approximately 300 young people visited Sutton High Street yesterday and gathered outside ‘Popeyes’ at around 1530.
“They were present in the High Street as part of a TikTok challenge called ‘Blind Dating’, which is aimed at Secondary School aged children.
“The group stayed in-between ‘Popeyes’ and ‘M&S’, but occasionally smaller groups would run off before returning to the main gathering.
“Although the gathering was friendly and excited in nature, I am aware that such large numbers being present in Sutton may have caused people who were shopping and working in the area to feel concerned.
“I am also aware that groups of individuals running at speed randomly may have furthered any concerns.
“As your Neighbourhood Superintendent, I was in the High Street with some of our officers and was able to witness and gauge the mood of the group.
“To ensure the safety of those present, including the young people, workers and shoppers in the area, we deployed a number of police officers to the High Street and put a Section 35 Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act dispersal order in place.
“The event concluded without any significant incident.
However, I am aware that there were social media reports of a stabbing at the gathering.
“These reports are false, there was not a stabbing at the gathering and our policing plan, along with work with our partners, ensured the event ended safely.
We are aware of a repeat event is being planned for Tuesday 27th January in Sutton High Street.
“Please be assured that as your Neighbourhood Policing Team, we will work to ensure any event is limited and those who are in the High Street are safe.”
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