There were no arrests across London yesterday, as the threatened youth violence prompted by social media messaging failed to materialise. Now some suggest the ‘Red v Blue’ messages are all a hoax
Increased police presence: by 5pm yesterday, officers were being stood down from their patrols around the town centre. Pic: Gianella A Basile
A large police presence in Croydon town centre yesterday afternoon eventually saw officers stood down without there being any outbreak of the “Croydon Wars” fights between school groups, which had been promoted via TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and WhatsApp.
“Police were not called to any incidents relating to this matter yesterday – in Croydon or elsewhere,” a Metropolitan Police spokesperson told Inside Croydon.
“No incidents and therefore no arrests.”
Police, schools and community groups had been put on alert after social media messages encouraged pupils as young as 11 to turn up at certain locations and times and to “Be violent”, and to video their clashes with rival school groups.
The messages divided schools into two groups, the “Reds” and the “Blues”, and showed men in red and blue balaclavas, as worn by the Los Angeles street gangs the Bloods and Crips.
Some of the messaging told children to carry weapons, including fireworks and “bladez”.
The messaging, which is thought to have first targeted children in Hackney, has now extended to other London boroughs, including Bromley. In Greenwich yesterday, the police imposed a dispersal order until 10pm.
Shutdown: the Met says it is acting against social media sites that are inciting Croydon Wars
Yesterday afternoon was supposed to be the first of a series of “School Wars” in Croydon. Headteachers related higher than usual absences at their schools, as some parents decided it was safest to keep their children at home for the day.
Some Croydon schools – even those not listed among the red and blue groups – allowed their pupils to end the school day early as a “precautionary measure…” in order for pupils, even Sixth formers, “… to get home as quickly as possible and avoid any disruption that may occur”.
Pupils were under strict instructions to go straight home.
Some reports said that teachers accompanied children on their journeys home.
And the government has intervened with TikTok, seeking to trace those behind the accounts where this messaging has originated.
TikTok block: minister Liz Kendall says that social media platforms have been approached over the ‘School Wars’ messaging
Liz Kendall MP, Labour’s technology secretary, said: “This content is deeply concerning, and I understand TikTok are taking action to review and address it.
“Encouraging violence by urging children to take knives to school is illegal. I expect platforms to abide by the letter of the law and where the content is illegal, they should take action to stop these abhorrent posts.”
There may be need for continued caution into next week. Some of the earlier posts suggested that “Croydon Wars” would go on, at venues to be confirmed, throughout next week, on March 2, 4, 5 and 6.
Other postings have since emerged for the “Croydon Chingaz”, on March 9, involving “all schools” at a park in the borough. “Catch your opps,” it says, “Juice them up for getback or revenge.”
And the graphic also states: “Bring your sharpest bladez.”
Members of Croydon gangs who have seen the messages have suggested that they may be some kind of hoax. “I don’t believe these things. They’ve been going round, but I don’t think it’s serious.”
Another was equally sceptical: “Probably kids, like bored social media nerds. Or far-right activists. They would have solid motives to do it.
“But in my opinion, serious gang members would not do this.”
The Met has issued the following advice to schools:
- Pupils should not attend any location circulated in connection with “School Wars”, particularly High Streets and large open spaces
- Individuals who attend with the intention of committing crime or disorder are liable to arrest
- Dispersal powers will be used where appropriate; failure to comply may result in arrest
- Police will work in partnership with schools to identify individuals involved in any criminal activity
- Schools will be informed of any pupil involvement, and separate school sanctions may apply
- Parents and carers are strongly encouraged to know where their child is after school and ensure they go straight home rather than loitering in High Streets or open public spaces
Extra stop-and-search: Met Commander Neerav Patel
And the Met’s local policing Commander Neerav Patel said: “We remain in close contact with schools across several London boroughs to offer reassurance and ensure they have accurate information.
“Officers will continue to maintain a strong, visible presence around schools. We will respond robustly to any reports of violence, disorder or planned meet‑ups linked to this trend… Where intelligence suggests weapons may be carried, officers have also introduced extra stop-and-search powers.
“We continue to closely monitor online spaces and have worked with social media companies to request the removal or disabling of accounts where threats, incitement to violence, or planned confrontations have been identified. More than a dozen such accounts have already been taken down following police contact.
“I want to remind young people of the very serious consequences of becoming involved in violence or carrying weapons. An arrest, charge or conviction can lead to imprisonment and have a significant long‑term impact on future opportunities.”
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