Inside the group chat that sparked teenage mobs causing chaos in Clapham

A leaked group chat has revealed how teenagers appear to be lining-up more mob link-ups across London – with plans to accuse the police of ‘racism’ if they are stopped.

Crowds of teenagers tore through Clapham High Street for the second time in a matter of days on Tuesday, ransacking shops and facing down police officers.

Families and passersby were barricaded inside stores as hundreds of youths piled through after schools emptied for the Easter holidays.

Footage emerged of fires lit outside and fireworks set off on Clapham Common.

On Saturday, three teenage girls were arrested on suspicion of shoplifting and assault.

In total, six teenage girls, aged 13 to 17, have been arrested following Saturday and Tuesday’s unrest, with the Met vowing more will come over.

New footage and a leaked group chat uncovered by Metro has revealed just how graphic the plans were.

‘The police are gonna be the ones running’

It was organised via a digital flyer sent around on Snapchat.

Young people were encouraged to meet at Clapham Courts and bring their own balloons and cannabis.

Two newly emerged videos show young girls being ‘jumped’ and beaten up in M&S and on the street outside.

They can be heard crying and covering their heads as they are stamped on by other girls.

A leaked group chat also reveals the extent of planning which went into the organising – and how to cover their tracks afterwards.

Users discuss how excited they are for the event, before one person adds: ‘If I’m dere police are gna be da 1 dats running.’

More ‘link-ups’ organised

The group chat continues to discuss how likely they are to be caught, with one user saying ‘am I cooked’.

Just one person suggests taking accountability, but another suggests saying ‘the police are rasict [sic]’.

They also discuss where the next link-up could be, with Burgess Hill and Crystal Palace park all named as possible locations.

‘Crystal Palace Park is a shout,’ one person says. ‘Bc it’s too big for police to swarm it, plus there’s only one entrance police can come through and it’s all the way at the back.’

Another adds: ‘Burgess is too big for anyone to get bagged and there’s bare exits.’

Metro has contacted the Metropolitan Police for comment.

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.

‘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 mayor of London Sadiq Khan called the scenes ‘utterly unacceptable.’

He said: ‘Not only did they spread fear in the local community, but assaulting and intimidating hard-working retail staff and police officers are serious offences. The culprits will face the full force of the law.

‘I’m in close contact with the Met police, and arrests have been made already. More are likely to follow over the coming days as officers continue to review CCTV and body worn video, and ensure all those involved are apprehended. 

‘My message to anyone thinking of going out this weekend to commit crime in our shops or on our high streets is that your actions will have consequences. You will be identified, held responsible and punished accordingly.’

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