Families were forced to barricade themselves inside shops in Clapham, south London, on Tuesday evening as large groups of youths ran riot in the streets. The Easter holiday disturbance left shoppers fearing for their safety, with several stores closing early and police swarming the area.
Around 100 officers responded to the disorder, which began around 5pm on Clapham High Street and Clapham Common. Five people were assaulted, including four police officers, one of whom was taken to hospital with an arm injury. Three teenage girls were arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.
Witnesses reported that youths, many dressed in black, poured out of a McDonald's restaurant and ran through the streets. Fires were lit on the common and fireworks set off. Stores including McDonald's, M&S, Sainsbury's and Waitrose closed early on police advice. A security guard at M&S said shoppers were locked inside and later escorted out by police.
One person said their partner was 'barricaded' inside Sainsbury's. Police issued a dispersal order and urged those involved to consider the consequences. Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond said a 'robust and visible' policing plan is in place, warning that events fuelled by online trends on platforms like TikTok will be met with a strong response.
