Large crowds of teenagers, many wearing masks, caused disruption on Clapham High Street in south London on Tuesday evening as part of an Easter holiday 'link up'. Shoppers, including a pregnant woman, took shelter in stores as several supermarkets closed their doors amid the chaos.
Footage on social media showed smoke billowing from Clapham Common and teenagers gathering outside McDonald's before fleeing when police arrived. The Metropolitan Police issued a dispersal order and made several arrests. Disruption was first reported on Saturday, when more than 100 teenagers gathered in a supermarket, leading to reports of shoplifting.
Elaine Canning, manager of Tapi Carpets and Floors, said a pregnant woman and her husband sheltered in her store for 10 to 15 minutes. 'She would be panicked, being pregnant, you would be worried about being knocked over,' Canning said, but added the teenagers were not physically threatening and mainly targeted food stores.
Charles Duamroh, also from Tapi Carpets and Floors, expressed concern that such scenes may continue during the Easter holidays. 'They've had it Saturday and they've had it yesterday. What is the next one going to be like?' he asked. Another witness, Ali from Bargain Store, said teenagers entered Sainsbury's, took goods and threw them at each other.
Paula Teixeira, co-owner of Snappy Snaps, said she saw hundreds of kids on Clapham Common on Saturday. 'They kind of come in big groups, and then when police start talking to them, a few might disperse for a little while, but then after the police are gone they return,' she said. Police have urged the public to avoid the area.
