M&S accuses Sadiq Khan of being too soft on crime after feral youths run riot | UK | News
Police attacked as TikTok teens go wild in Clapham this week (Image:-)
M&S accused Sadiq Khan of being too soft on criminals following nights of violence and mayhem in Clapham. Supermarket managers have written to London’s mayor and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood demanding action after several hundred young people descended on high street shops and set fires on Clapham Common on Tuesday, following similar chaotic scenes on Saturday.
M&S retail manager Thinus Keeve said staff were head-butted and taken to hospital following the ammonia attack last week, while four police officers were attacked on Tuesday. Don’t write TelegramMr Keeve said the idea that crime was falling in London was “something none of us believe and very few people working in retail can see”.
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Videos shared on the internet describe ‘wild youths’ who caused ‘absolute carnage’ (Image:-)
He added: “Without a Government that seriously tackles crime and a Mayor who prioritizes effective policing, we are powerless.”
In the footage shared on
Mr Keeve called on Sir Sadiq to provide police with the resources they need to run their businesses, support communities and work with retailers to target criminals.
Supermarkets have previously called for tougher police enforcement, but this marks the first time a retailer has turned its attention and responsibility to the mayor.
Tesco chief executive Ken Murphy has previously said workers “don’t deserve to have to deal with the anxiety of witnessing aggressive thefts”, while the Co-op has also called for a crackdown on organized criminals who it claims are behind the gangs.
Sir Sadiq condemned the incidents and said “criminals will face the full force of the law”, and police are working with social media companies to block “viral online content that encourages violence and theft”.
Four police officers were attacked during Tuesday’s antics (Image:-)
Tuesday was part of a trend of so-called “connections” in which groups organize and promote meetings via social media.
Upon receiving word of the plans for Tuesday, police issued a dispersal order and deployed 100 officers; four of them were assaulted and one was hospitalized after suffering an arm injury during the arrest.
Three girls, one 17-year-old and two 13-year-olds, were arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker on Tuesday night.
Detective Superintendent Emma Bond, who is leading policing efforts in the area, called on parents or guardians to take responsibility for their role in prevention.
He said any young person who thought it was just “a bit of fun” should “carefully consider the consequences” of a criminal record, including future employment opportunities and the ability to travel.
The Met Police said more arrests would be made in the coming days as officers assess CCTV footage and body-worn camera footage.
