EXCLUSIVE: Met promises ‘robust’ action, dispersal orders and stop and search ahead of further social media advertised meetings
Shutdown: the Met has made three arrests, including one in Croydon, over these ‘School War’ adverts
The police have made an arrest in Croydon in connection with the “School Wars” social media messages which went viral across London since the February half-term.
That brings to three the number of people arrested in London in connection with the messages in the past six days, as the police say that they continue “to remove content online”.
And there are other events and dates over which the police say they have “specific concerns”.
In an email to local schools sent yesterday lunchtime, Croydon police have said that they are treating seriously “… a poster circulating for an event on Monday”, meaning March 9.
“Whilst there is no more information about this particular event occurring than those advertised previously, based on what has been advertised, the policing approach will be robust.
“This will include an enhanced police presence and use of both dispersal and stop and search powers as appropriate.”
The fifth of five “Croydon Wars”, proposed “Red v Blue” meet-ups over the past week, to which schoolchildren as young as 11 were encouraged to “be violent” and come armed with rulers, compasses and metal combs, was advertised to take place today, March 6.
Monday’s proposed event has appeared as social media posts with a different advertising style.
The Met, schools and community groups took action over the past week, with increased police presence at school gates notably around home time, to bring calm to the situation.
In a note, seen by Inside Croydon, which thanks school headteachers and partners for their calm assistance over the past week, Superintendent Luke Dillon, based at Croydon Police Station, confirmed: “Thankfully, we have not seen any issues directly connected to this [School Wars messages] over the last week.”
‘Continue to be vigilant’: Supt Luke Dillon
The Met says it arrested a man in his 20s and a 15-year-old boy in central east London on Sunday. They were detained on suspicion of encouraging or assisting in a crime, “in connection with a recent trend of social media posts”. They have been bailed pending further inquiries.
In a letter to headteachers and parents in Croydon, Supt Dillon said: “My ask is that you all continue to be vigilant, pass any relevant information to us… If you see any concerning content online, report this to the relevant platform, who will remove it.
“…Young people are encouraged to think carefully about the serious consequences of getting involved in matters like this. An arrest, charge and conviction and carrying weapons could mean improsonment with a significant long-term impact on future opportunities…
“The whole system response to this matter has been fantastic across the council, statutory partners. education, community and parents. Thank you again for your efforts and support.”
As Inside Croydon reported last week, members of Croydon gangs who have seen the messages have suggested that they may be some kind of malicious hoax. “I don’t believe these things. They’ve been going round, but I don’t think it’s serious,” one gang member said.
Another was equally sceptical: “Probably kids, like bored social media nerds. 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
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