A viral TikTok 'blind date' event, promoted as an evening of fun and connections, descended into significant chaos last night in the town centre of Sutton, south London. The gathering, which attracted more than 200 schoolchildren, resulted in clashes with police officers and the implementation of a dispersal order to restore order.
Chaotic Scenes Unfold in Sutton High Street
Videos circulating widely on social media platforms depict large crowds of teenagers packed into Sutton High Street, responding to an online invitation for the event. The organiser, a teenager with approximately 5,000 followers on TikTok, had advertised the meet-up with a start time of 4pm, promising an exciting night. However, the situation quickly escalated into mayhem as police attended the scene.
Police Intervention and Dispersal Order
Officers from the Metropolitan Police were called to the location at around 16:04hrs on Thursday, 22 January, following reports of a large gathering. By 16:42hrs, a disturbance within the crowd prompted a robust police response. In footage shared online, police can be seen raising their batons, and the teenage organiser appears to be pushed against the side of a red car by officers, although he was not arrested.
To prevent further disturbances, authorities issued a Section 35 dispersal order, legally requiring all attendees to leave the area immediately. Despite the heavy police presence and chaotic scenes, no injuries were reported, and no arrests were made, according to an official statement from the Met Police.
False Rumours and Community Reaction
In the aftermath of the event, false rumours spread online suggesting that the chaos was linked to two stabbings. Police swiftly denied these claims, clarifying that the incidents were unrelated. Meanwhile, concerned Sutton residents took to social media, such as Facebook, to call for the teenagers to leave the High Street.
One local commented, 'My daughter told me about this but so glad she listened to her mum and came straight home! It's a recipe for disaster.' Another added, 'Call your kids home no need for them be there.' Some residents used the event to argue for stricter social media regulations, with one stating, 'This is why Australia banned social media for teens,' and another urging, 'Please just ban social media quickly for this lot so they can stop this online nonsense.'
Organiser's Account and Event Details
The organiser posted a video after the event to explain his perspective. He described arriving to find the area 'rammed' and 'jampacked,' leading him to attempt to start the blind dates amidst pushing crowds. According to his account, when a police officer approached him for a chat and he declined, four officers chased him, pinning him against a car, with one allegedly trying to strangle him. He emphasised that the rumoured stabbings were not connected to his event.
The so-called 'blind dates' involved a unique format where two teenagers would ask each other questions while standing back-to-back or wearing face masks, only revealing their identities at the end. Despite the disorder, it is understood that another similar event has been planned for this evening in south London, raising concerns about potential repeat incidents.
Broader Implications and Safety Concerns
This incident highlights the growing trend of social media-organised gatherings among young people and the challenges they pose for public safety and law enforcement. The rapid spread of misinformation online, such as the false stabbing rumours, further complicates such situations. Authorities continue to monitor these events closely, urging parents and communities to remain vigilant about their children's online activities and offline meet-ups.
