Teenagers stormed Clapham High Street on Tuesday evening as part of an Easter holiday 'link-up', forcing shops to close and prompting a police dispersal order. Social media footage showed large crowds of young people, many wearing masks, gathering in the area.
Police arrested two teenage girls on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker. A dispersal order was put in place, requiring anyone congregating to leave. Officers remained in the area to reassure residents and businesses.
Local resident Nicola James described the scene as 'total chaos', with 200 to 300 teenagers, some in balaclavas, screaming and running through the streets. She said it was 'quite frightening' to have it happen outside her front door.
This follows a similar incident on Saturday, when more than 100 teenagers gathered in a supermarket, leading to three arrests for shoplifting and assault. The Met Police confirmed dispersal orders were used both days.
