Officers are urging those involved in last night’s disorder in Clapham, and their parents or guardians, to consider the consequences of their actions.
Police say more arrests will be made over the coming days, following the incidents yesterday and on Saturday, as officers trawl through a “significant volume of CCTV and body worn video.”
Police have issued this warning: Just because you have not yet been arrested does not mean you will not be.
Officers are also working to identify those who played a leading or organising role.
Ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, the Met has also made clear that anyone involved in similar events or caught promoting them will be dealt with “decisively.”
The Met says it also expects social media companies to play their part by taking responsibility for content on their platforms that promotes or incites disorder.
Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, who leads policing in the area, said:
“We recognise the concern that this incident will have caused the community in Clapham.
“We have a clear plan in place should any further disorder take place in the coming days and are in close contact with our partners and businesses in the area.
“Our officers will continue to maintain a strong, visible presence around Clapham and we will respond robustly to any reports of disorder, thefts or planned meet-ups.
“I’d urge those young people who think this is just a bit of fun to carefully consider the consequences. Events like this, fuelled by online trends and viral content on platforms such as TikTok, can quickly escalate and lead to serious outcomes. If you join in or cause further disorder, you should expect to be arrested and risk a criminal record, which can have long-lasting consequences for your future, including employment opportunities and potentially your ability to travel.
“There is widespread CCTV coverage on streets and in businesses in the area and we’re already reviewing that footage, as well as officers’ body worn video cameras, to identify those who committed offences on Saturday and last night.
“The parents/ guardians of those involved in last night’s disorder also have a role to play. I’d appeal to them to take responsibility – to be proactive in knowing where their children are and who they’re with, and to take steps to make sure they’re not involved in this sort of unacceptable antisocial behaviour.”
From around 5pm last night, officers responded to reports of anti-social behaviour involving a group of several hundred young people in Clapham High Street and Clapham Common.
Young people were reported to be attempting to access shops and a restaurant on Clapham High Street. They also lit fires and set off fireworks on Clapham Common. Contrary to some reports, we did not see looting or widespread criminal damage.
Similar behaviour had taken place in the same area on Saturday night, with videos shared widely on Monday.
Acting on information suggesting plans for a repeat last night, a dispersal order was authorised in advance and additional officers were deployed to ensure any antisocial behaviour could be dealt with quickly.
Around 100 officers were involved in responding to the anti-social behaviour over the course of Tuesday evening.
Five people were assaulted, including four police officers. One officer was taken to hospital as a precaution after suffering an injury to his arm while making an arrest.
Three girls, a 17-year-old and two aged 13, were arrested on Tuesday night on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker. The 17-year-old has been charged and bailed to appear at court later this month. The two 13-year-olds have been granted bail.
