Clapham High Street chaos as youth mob wreak havoc AGAIN days after storming M&S | UK | News
Chaos descended on south London’s busy high street just days after dozens of youths attacked shops in the area. Eyewitnesses said many shops on Clapham High Street were forced to close on Tuesday evening as a large crowd of young people flocked to the area.
Footage shared online showed a large crowd of young people, many dressed in black, pouring out of a McDonald’s restaurant, groups running down the road and fires allegedly started by fireworks in a nearby public area. In videos circulating on the internet, a heavy police presence can be seen reacting to the anarchy. A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed a dispersal order was issued and two teenage girls were arrested.
The spokesman said: “Police are responding to an ongoing incident on Clapham High Street following reports of a large crowd of young people causing anti-social behaviour.
“Officers are at the scene and a dispersal order has been issued, meaning anyone gathered must leave the area.
“Two teenage girls have now been arrested and detained on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.
“Officers will remain in the area to offer support and respond to concerns from local residents and businesses.”
It has been reported that many stores on Clapham High Street have been forced to close, including McDonald’s, M&S and Sainsbury’s supermarket.
The Express understands Waitrose also closed its doors early on police advice.
People online encouraged others to avoid the area, while one person said his partner had “barricaded himself” in the Sainsbury’s supermarket because of gangs.
Reports on social media claim an event encouraging young people to meet en masse in Clapham on Tuesday afternoon was shared online.
It has been suggested the ‘reconnection’ is a follow-up to another incident last weekend, which saw chaos erupt on Clapham High Street.
The Met said two 16-year-old girls and a 15-year-old girl were arrested for theft and assault on Saturday. They have since been released on bail.
Footage taken on Saturday showed young people pushing each other and knocking over shelves inside an M&S store.
