Children using TikTok and Snapchat to arrange so-called “link-up” mass meetings on a south London high street have shopkeepers braced for further unrest during the Easter holidays.
Several hundred youths descended on Clapham after reading messages on social media sites with the hashtag #claphamcourtslinkup.
People working in south London described having to lock their doors after balaclava-clad teenagers ran amok in Clapham High Street looting shops including Marks and Spencer, Boots, McDonald’s and Waitrose on Saturday and Tuesday as part of an flash mob online trend.
Five people were assaulted, including four police officers, one of whom ended up in hospital.
Six girls, aged 13 to 17, have been arrested and the Metropolitan Police put a 48-hour dispersal order in place on Tuesday.
Parents of the several hundred teenagers who gathered in Clapham have been warned to take responsibility by police, and make sure that they know where their children are.
Scotland Yard said there will be further arrests “in days” as officers go through CCTV and body-worn camera footage of what happened.
The force added link-ups “fuelled by online trends and viral content on platforms such as TikTok” can 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,” a spokesman said.
“Link-ups” organised on social media involve people swarming stores and public transport and often see individuals using intimidation and violence to rob.
Following the unrest, 100 police officers were sent to Clapham on Tuesday.
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.
Hundreds of teenagers have been swarming locations in two of the UK's biggest cities and creating disorder. Social media is at the core of the phenomenon.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) April 1, 2026
The Met Police have made arrests and have called on social media companies to "take responsibility".
Sky's Phoebe… pic.twitter.com/xfmHRL4ydu
“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 (Tuesday) night.
“The parents or guardians of those involved in (Tuesday) 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 anti-social behaviour.”
London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said: “The appalling scenes in Clapham in recent days are absolutely unacceptable and those responsible will face the full force of the law.
“Arrests have been made and the Met is continuing to investigate.
“There will be an increased police presence in the area in the coming days, with officers providing support and reassurance to residents and businesses.”
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, the Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton, added: “I’m very concerned by the recent scenes of unrest on Clapham High Street.
“This intimidating behaviour causes havoc for local residents and businesses alike. It is inexcusable.”
