Pregnant woman shelters as teenagers storm Clapham High Street in Easter holiday chaos

1 Apr 2026 • 9:37 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Large crowds of young people caused significant disruption on Clapham High Street during the Easter holidays, with incidents reported on both Saturday and Tuesday evening.
  • Footage circulating on social media showed teenagers gathering, causing chaos, and prompting supermarkets to close their doors, with one pregnant woman seeking shelter in a shop.
  • The Metropolitan Police Service responded to the incidents, issuing a dispersal order and making arrests, including two teenage girls for assaulting an emergency worker.
  • Local shop workers expressed concerns about the ongoing nature of the 'link ups', which appeared to be advertised on social media, and the potential for continued anti-social behaviour.
  • Witnesses described scenes of teenagers running through the streets, with reports of shoplifting and general mischief, highlighting the challenges faced by police in controlling the large groups.

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