Four police officers were attacked - with one in hospital - after hundreds of kids ran riot through Clapham following a viral social media trend.
Hundreds of masked young people forced their way into businesses on Clapham High Street yesterday (March 31) in the second large incident of antisocial behaviour in Clapham.
They also lit fires and set off fireworks on Clapham Common and five people were assaulted, including four police officers., reports sister sister London Now.
ARRESTS MADE: Girls, 13 and 17, arrested after fires and disorder erupt in Clapham
One officer was taken to hospital with an injury to his arm while making one of three arrests that have been made so far.
The event is said by police to have been fuelled by posts on TikTok and other social media that encouraged people to target local shops and demand their goods.
Footage online shows fires started near the centre of the Clapham Common park as smoke billowed into the air.
Other clips show large groups pushing themselves into shops, running around the street and screaming.
Three girls, one aged 17 and two aged 13, were arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.
The 17-year-old has been charged and bailed to appear at court later this month. The two 13-year-olds have been granted bail.
There was no looting or widespread criminal damage, according to police.
Around 100 police officers responded in total with a Section 35 dispersal order already in place.
The order was brought in after similar scenes in Clapham on Saturday (March 28) when three teenage girls were arrested on suspicion of theft and assault following anti-social behaviour involving a large group of young people.
Officers issued a stern warning to anyone planning on attending a further event planned for tonight, warning of arrests and the consequences of a criminal record.
They also urged parents and guardians to be responsible for their children.
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 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.
“The parents and 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.”
It comes after another social media trend - the ‘Red vs Blue school wars’ - caused widespread concern after encouraging children to fight.
Although no reported incidents arose from the social media trend, it caused huge fears as the posts spread across London and the rest of the country.
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