London 'School Wars' Social Media Posts Lead to Arrests and Increased Police Patrols
A teenage boy and a man in his 20s have been arrested in connection with so-called 'School Wars' social media posts that encouraged pupils to engage in violent fights with weapons. The arrests occurred on Sunday, with both individuals taken into custody on suspicion of encouraging or assisting in a crime. They have since been released on bail pending further inquiries by the authorities.
Gang-Inspired Posters Circulate on Social Media Platforms
Posters inspired by notorious Los Angeles street gangs, the Bloods and the Crips, have been circulating on platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram. These posters feature men wearing red and blue balaclavas and list which schools fall under which 'side' in a 'Red vs Blue' conflict. One particularly alarming post displayed images of scissors, a knife, compasses, fireworks, and a comb, accompanied by the tagline 'bring your best'.
The conflict has implicated 26 schools across London boroughs including Hackney, Islington, Redbridge, and Croydon, with the schools split into teams. However, parents from other parts of the capital have also reported similar posts, indicating a wider spread of the issue.
School Disruptions and Police Response
The circulation of these posts has led to significant disruptions, with some schools finishing early and urging parents and carers to take their children straight home as a precaution. In response, officers have been mobilised outside school gates, with Scotland Yard confirming a 'strong police presence' would remain in place to ensure safety.
A Met Police spokesperson stated: 'Local officers continue to work alongside local authority partners, school leaders and parents, whose joint robust response has been vital in protecting young people across the last week.' The force has been actively monitoring online activity and collaborating with social media organisations to disable accounts that encourage violence.
Warnings and Dispersal Orders Issued
Last week, the Met Police sent a note to parents regarding the impact of the TikTok trend, coinciding with a dispersal order issued for the entire Royal Borough of Greenwich. The note read: 'We are aware that several posts have been circulating on social media in recent days, and we understand that this may have caused concern among families.'
The police emphasised their commitment to maintaining a visible presence around schools in affected areas to respond promptly to any reports of violence or disorder. Commanders across East London boroughs have urged the public to consider the serious consequences of involvement, noting that any engagement in violence or carrying weapons could lead to arrest, criminal charges, or imprisonment, with long-term impacts on future opportunities.
Disturbing Details of the 'School Wars' Posts
Many of the original posts have been deleted, making it unclear exactly how many boroughs and schools were called to fight at gatherings last month. However, one post outlining the 'rules' of the school wars instructed children to 'jump' anyone from the 'opposite' side and specified they must 'be violent'.
Students were encouraged to use stationery items from their pencil cases, such as compasses, scissors, and rulers, as weapons, with some posters even depicting kitchen knives and fireworks. Additionally, participants were asked to have someone 'record' their attacks, with the footage to be sent to the original organiser for posting online and earning extra 'points'.
A scoring system was detailed in the posts, awarding 20 points for punching an opponent, 10 points for chasing them, 15 points for 'staining' them—slang for stabbing—and 10 bonus points for recording any of these actions.
Parental Concerns and School Communications
Since the posts began circulating online last week, parents have received emails from their children's headteachers addressing the worrying calls to battle. These communications reassured parents that the authorities had been informed and that police would be patrolling the areas to enhance security and prevent incidents.
The Met Police added that they would remain in contact with schools across 'several boroughs' and continue to work proactively to ensure the safety of all young people. They also advised parents to speak with their children about staying safe, making responsible choices, and reporting any concerns to a trusted adult.
