Police vow to crack down on TikTok ‘link up’ trend as it says more arrests to come

The Metropolitan Police has vowed to quell disorder in Clapham, said to have been fueled by TikTok videos of youths storming the area’s high street twice in recent days.

Officers responded to reports of anti-social behavior involving several hundred young people in Clapham High Street and Clapham Common in south London at around 5pm on Tuesday, according to the Met.

Police said youths were reported trying to break into shops and a restaurant on Clapham High Street, as well as lighting fires and setting off fireworks on Clapham Common.

Similar behavior occurred in the same area on Saturday night, and the videos were widely shared on social media on Monday.

Footage circulating on social media showed a large crowd of young people, many wearing masks, gathering on Clapham High Street on Tuesday evening as many supermarkets closed their doors.

A TikTok video showed smoke rising from Clapham Common as scores of police officers attended the scene. The video’s caption read: “DO NOT participate in Clapham Courts links.”

A dispersal order was issued Tuesday night and around 100 officers participated in the police response.

Five people, including four police officers, were attacked. A police officer who was injured in his arm during the arrest was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Three girls, one 17-year-old and two 13-year-olds, were arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker on Tuesday night.

The 17-year-old was charged and released on bail to appear in court later this month. Two 13-year-old boys were released on bail.

More arrests will be made in the coming days, the Met said, adding that officers were also trying to identify people who played a leading or organizing role.

Detective Superintendent Emma Bond, who leads policing in the area, said: “We have a clear plan in case of further disturbances 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 and visible presence around Clapham and we will respond robustly to any reports of disorder, theft or planned gatherings.

“I would urge young people who think this is just a bit of fun to think carefully about the consequences.

“Fueled by online trends and viral content on platforms like TikTok, incidents like these can escalate quickly and lead to serious consequences.

“If you participate or cause further disorder, you should expect to be arrested and risk a criminal record, which could have long-term consequences for your future, including employment opportunities and potentially your ability to travel.

“There is extensive CCTV footage on streets and businesses in the area and we are currently reviewing this footage and police officers’ body-worn video cameras to identify those who committed crimes on Saturday and last night.

“Parents/guardians of those involved in last night’s disturbance also have a role to play.

“I urge them to take responsibility, be proactive in knowing where their children are and who they are with, and take steps to ensure they are not involved in this type of unacceptable antisocial behaviour.”

Elaine Canning, store manager of Tapi Carpets and Floors on Clapham High Street, said a pregnant woman was among those who took shelter in her store during the chaos on Tuesday.

Mrs Canning told Independent On Wednesday: “There were some people coming into the shop on Saturday and people just passing by went in to hide.

“Last night there was a pregnant woman and her husband, they came for about 10-15 minutes.”

He added: “It would be [panicked]You are worried about falling over because you are pregnant.

“But to be fair, I don’t think they were physically threatening to members of the public.”

The store manager described the scenes that unfolded as “frightening” but said those gathering were mostly targeting food stores.

Ms Canning said she was told to be careful on Tuesday afternoon by others working on the road as they had heard another meeting was planned, which appeared to have been advertised on social media.