A WOMAN told how she was locked in M&S as hundreds of feral youths swarmed outside the shop – before being escorted outside by cops.
Gangs set off fireworks as they tore through Clapham, South London, yesterday during “linkups” fuelled by social media sites such as TikTok.
The brazen mobs caused chaos in Clapham High Street for a second time, after similar scenes were seen in Birmingham on Saturday.
Shops including Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and McDonald’s were forced to close early as cops fought to bring the chaotic situation under control.
Flailing cops were heavily outnumbered by the vast swathes of youths – as they desperately tried to chase the youngsters away.
Matilda Knight, 25, from nearby Brixton, was one of the unfortunate shoppers caught up in the “scary” scenes last night.
She told The Sun: “I was walking from kind of the other side of Clapham Common and there was fireworks that were set off in the Common.
“I was with a friend, we didn’t see what was happening first, so the loud bangs were kind of like a bit scary.
“We walked past the basketball courts and there was loads of police there. It was kids messing around, running about.
“We popped into M&S to get some ingredients for dinner and then we got locked inside.
“Because the police told us… the police told M&S to lock the doors. So we were kind of waiting for a while to step out.
“Then the police escorted us out of M&S.”
Clips circulating on social media showed mobs of teens gathering in the area with locals warning others to avoid the area.
The gangs have been sparking chaos across the country by storming shops and terrifying families.
On Saturday, mobs of youths ran wild through Clapham High Street and Birmingham city centre as the Easter holidays kicked off.
Two teen girls aged 16 and one 15-year-old were arrested in London on suspicion of shoplifting and assault after the “linkups” on Saturday.
All three teenagers have since been bailed.
Matilda claimed there had been “discussion of knives” amid the chaos last night.
She added: “There was like hundreds of them out in front of McDonald’s and the police were everywhere.
“Then when we were like weaving through the crowds, it was like discussion of knives.
“They were like, ‘I can’t believe he flashed his knife’.
“They’re all bored… some TikTok videos gone viral to tell them to come here.”
Charles, a salesperson at Tapi Carpets and Floors, said a pregnant woman had been forced to “take shelter” in the shop during the “pandemonium”.
He continued: ““It was chaos, nobody knew what was going on… sheer pandemonium. Nobody was in control of it.
“There were five time more kids than the police. Out of nowhere, they converged on the common and moved down.
“We had a pregnant lady and her husband take shelter here. They were scared and stood at the door with us, waiting until it was safe to go out.
“We had people running in on Saturday, trying to take cover. It is not a pleasant thing. The streets have been empty today.
“Maybe people are scared. Somebody must be able to guarantee the safety of of the shops and the people.”
The Met Police has since vowed that more arrests will be made in the wake of yesterday’s disorder.
Issuing a statement, the force warned teens: “just because you have not been arrested does not mean you will not be”.
Officers have now set up a policing plan to prevent any future chaos after Clapham High Street was overrun on two occasions.
The Met added that social media companies must play their part in preventing the anti-social events.
Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond said: “Our officers will continue to maintain a strong, visible presence around Clapham.
“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.”
Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones added: “These disgraceful incidents in Clapham and Birmingham are absolutely appalling.
“This mindless behaviour has no place in our society, and these criminals must face the full force of the law.
“We’re giving police stronger powers, ending the immunity for thefts under £200 so that shoplifters can be prosecuted.
“We urge the police to use all tools at their disposal to maintain order, protect residents and punish those responsible.”
TikTok declined a request for comment.
