The Metropolitan Police have issued a warning to individuals involved in a riot in Clapham, south London, where two teenage girls were arrested on Tuesday.
Officers responded to reports of anti-social behaviour at around 5 PM, involving a large group of several hundred young people on Clapham High Street and at Clapham Common.
The two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker. Residents reported seeing groups roaming the streets wearing balaclavas. The disturbances forced shops and supermarkets to close for safety reasons, and some individuals were seen scuffling with police officers.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police warned: “We will take robust action against anyone engaging in violence or intimidation in our communities.”
Lawless London: Teenagers rampage through affluent district as shops lock down
Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, who leads policing in the area, said on Wednesday: “We recognise the concern that this incident will have caused the community in Clapham.
“We have a clear plan in place should any further disorder take place 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, visible presence around Clapham and we will respond robustly to any reports of disorder, thefts or planned meet-ups.
Clapham High Street on a normal British afternoon: replacement in full swing. Packs of the usual cultural enrichers swarming the road like they’ve just been air-dropped in from the world’s worst corners, blocking traffic, screaming, forcing actual English locals to scatter while… pic.twitter.com/nVJtSUMQLq
— Lewis.B.Rendell Official (@Lewisrendell1) April 1, 2026
Bond added: “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.
Footage from the chaotic scenes shows hundreds of teenagers amassing on the high street as they ran riot in the south London neighbourhood.
In one video clip, large swathes of teenagers are seen gathered outside a Sainsbury’s before they scramble away when a police car pulls up.
Passing by with the bus in #Clapham opposite the same Mark & Spencer there is a big Sainsbury
lots of mobs ready to enter the supermarket
Jesus Christ they look 14-16 years oldwhat parents do these people have? & what education?
lots of Police coming on site pic.twitter.com/DIZtf5i339
— LadyInLondon (@LoliLondon) March 31, 2026
A Metropolitan Police inspector issued a Section 35 dispersal order throughout much of Clapham due to the disturbances, granting officers additional powers to require certain individuals to leave the area.
Bond continued: “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.
The Met statement continued: “There is widespread CCTV coverage on streets and in businesses in the area and we’re already reviewing that footage, as well as officers’ body worn video cameras, to identify those who committed offences on Saturday and last night.
“The parents/ 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.”
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