Police have called on parents to “take responsibility” after two days of social media-fuelled disorder in Clapham, south-west London, led to the arrest of six teenage girls. The Metropolitan Police said the incidents, which occurred on Saturday and Tuesday, were driven by a trend for “swarming the streets” organised on platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat.
Footage from Tuesday showed hundreds of young people gathering on Clapham High Street, with reports that shops and restaurants were stormed, while fireworks were set off on Clapham Common. A police presence of 100 officers was deployed following the earlier unrest on Saturday. Four officers and one member of the public were assaulted during the disorder.
The arrests include three girls – aged 17, 13 and 13 – held on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker on Tuesday, and two 16-year-olds and a 15-year-old arrested on Saturday on suspicion of shoplifting and assault. The Met said further arrests were expected as CCTV and body-worn camera footage is reviewed.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan condemned the “appalling scenes”, saying they were “absolutely unacceptable” and that those responsible would face the full force of the law. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch suggested the unrest reflected a culture where young people believe they can act without consequence, warning that a child who loots a shop today may commit more serious offences tomorrow.
Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond warned young people that joining such events could lead to arrest and a criminal record, affecting future employment and travel. She also urged parents to take an active role in knowing their children’s whereabouts and ensuring they do not take part in antisocial behaviour over the Easter weekend.
