Children from several schools ‘called to violent street fight’ in London

Just days after two pupils were stabbed in a London classroom, a post calling on a major fight between eight different schools has been circulating around social media, Metro has learned.

Year 9 pupils have been encouraged to ‘be violent’ and to bring sharp objects such as compasses and metal combs to the McDonald’s on Mare Street in Hackney starting from today and ending on July 6.

The shocking social media post describes a ‘Hackney War’ between eight schools and divides them into ‘red’ and ‘blue’ sides.

City Academy, Cardinal Pole, Haggerston School, Urswick School, The Excelsior Academy, Bridge Academy, Mossbourne Community Academy and City of London Academy Shoreditch Park are mentioned in the post.

It then urges people to send footage of the attacks to whoever uploaded the notice.

A grandmother, who has a grandson in the same year group, said she has pleaded with the schools to notify parents.

She told Metro: ‘I have called all the schools and so far everyone seems disinterested, but we all saw what happened at Kingsbury High School. This could end up being really serious.’

Metro has been told police are patrolling the area this afternoon in case something happens.

It follows a series of violent incidents in the capital in recent days.

Two pupils, in year 7 and year 8, were stabbed and seriously injured while on school grounds in Brent on Tuesday. A 13-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder.

The grandmother, who does not wish to be named, fears the pedestrianised Mare Street will leave children open to injuries if violence does break out.

She added: ‘There is no hiding on that street, everything is completely open.

‘What if a pupil just happens to be walking through it and gets jumped? It’s a disaster waiting to happen.’

City of London Academies Trust said: ‘The safety and wellbeing of students is our highest priority.

‘Encouraging, organising, or promoting violence is completely unacceptable, and this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.

‘We are actively engaging with parents, carers, the Metropolitan Police Service, and local partners to ensure students are kept safe and fully understand the seriousness of their actions.

‘We are committed to creating a thriving school environment, and ensuring the safety of children and young people.’

The Metropolitan Police said: ‘We are aware of these social media posts and are making enquiries to identify those responsible.

‘We will take a robust approach to any violence and use our powers under anti-social behaviour laws to deal with groups intent on disorder.

‘We are working closely with our partners in local schools and the council and would also like to reassure people in Hackney that we will be increasing patrols in the area.’

Metro approached the other schools for comment.

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