Police urge parents to ‘take responsibility’ after two days of disorder in London

Six teenage girls arrested after hundreds of young people gathered in Clapham in ‘swarming the streets’ TikTok trendPolice have urged parents to “take responsibility” after scenes of widespread disorder in Clapham, south-west London, on Saturday and Tuesday. Officers said the incidents were fuelled by a TikTok trend for swarming the streets.Six teenage girls have been arrested so far, and the Metropolitan police said there would be more arrests in the coming days as officers reviewed CCTV and bodycam footage of the disorder. It urged parents not to allow their children to take part in similar events over the Easter weekend.Footage of Tuesday’s incident showed hundreds of young people gathering on Clapham High Street, amid reports that shops and restaurants were being stormed. Fireworks were set off on nearby Clapham Common.The antisocial behaviour took place after link-ups arranged on social media sites including TikTok and Snapchat. In a statement, the Met urged social media companies to “play their part by taking responsibility for content on their platforms that promotes or incites disorder”.After the unrest on Saturday, 100 police officers were sent to Clapham on Tuesday. Four officers and one member of the public were assaulted.Three teenage girls, one aged 17 and two aged 13, were arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker. On Saturday two 16-year-old girls and one aged 15 were arrested on suspicion of shoplifting and assault.DCS 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.”Bond said a review of video evidence would lead to further arrests. She added: “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.”