Parents of teenagers who swarmed Clapham high street told to take responsibility
The Mayor of London's described scenes in recent days as 'appalling' and 'absolutely unacceptable'
Parents of several hundred children who swarmed a south London high street in an online trend have been warned to take responsibility and make sure they know where they are over the bank holiday weekend.
Crowds of young people gathered in Clapham last night (Tuesday 31st March 2026) and on Saturday (28th March 2026), trying to get into shops on the High Street and setting off fireworks on Clapham Common.
Six teenage girls, aged 13 to 17, have already been arrested, and the Metropolitan Police said there would be more as officers go through CCTV and bodyworn camera footage of what happened.
The anti-social behaviour was apparently sparked after “link-ups” arranged on social media sites including TikTok and Snapchat.
After unrest on Saturday, 100 police officers were sent to Clapham on Tuesday, four of whom were assaulted, along with one member of the public.
The Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has condemned what's happened.
Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond said: “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’ bodyworn video cameras, to identify those who committed offences on Saturday and last night.
“The parents or 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.”
On Tuesday three girls, one aged 17 and two aged just 13, were arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, while on Saturday two 16-year-old girls and one aged 15 were arrested on suspicion of shoplifting and assault.
Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.