Teenager arrested over ‘school wars’ social media trend encouraging children to carry weapons
Police said a 15-year-old boy and a man in his 20s were arrested in connection with social media posts encouraging schoolchildren to carry guns.
The men were detained in central London on Sunday on suspicion of inciting or assisting a crime and were released on bail pending further investigation, the Metropolitan Police said.
It follows the emergence of the “school wars” trend on platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat. This trend has led to the proliferation of poles that divide schools into red and blue teams and encourage students to fight using bladed weapons.
In one, it was seen Independentchildren are encouraged to “use violence” and use compass points to attack each other. Others suggest that they will receive video game-style “points” if they “punch an opponent” (opponent) or “stain an opponent.”
It is understood some schools, mostly in London, have written letters to parents warning of this trend. in someone he seesIndependentA West London school has warned that the craze is causing “serious concern” and urged parents to check their children’s smartphones “to keep our school safe”.
London and Bristol police have previously said they are in “close contact” with schools and have increased patrols in connection with their duties.
Metropolitan Police Commander Neerav Patel also said he wanted to remind young people of the “serious consequences” of carrying guns and engaging in violence.
In a statement, a Met Police spokesman said: “At approximately 18:45 on Sunday, March 1, Met officers arrested two men in Central East London in connection with a recent trend of social media posts.
“Both suspects, a man in his 20s and a 15-year-old boy, were arrested on suspicion of inciting or assisting crime. They have been released on bail pending further investigation.”
“There remains a strong police presence around schools, particularly at the end of the school day.
“Local authorities continue to work with local authority partners, school leaders and parents over the past week, where a strong joint response is vital in protecting young people.”
