Police granted extra powers amid threat of 'school wars' in London

"Many of you have heard through social media, from a school or your own children, news of possible fights between various school children across the Borough Of Greenwich. From a policing perspective, we take the safety of children and residents of the borough very seriously. Therefore, in order to deter and prevent any anti-social behaviour or risk increase of potential violent incidents, we have taken the decision to issue a Section 35 Dispersal Order, covering the whole of Greenwich Borough."

"This means that Police will be able to disperse any gathering of youths in any area in the borough, to prevent crime and disorder. It will be in place until 10pm Friday, February 27. You will see an increase in police presence across the borough, working with council wardens and partners throughout the day, to tackle any incidents that may occur."

"The school wars social media trend has seen children as young as 11 were encouraged via social media adverts to fight rival pupils. Over the past few weeks posts have appeared on social media sites encouraging children to attack pupils at nearby schools to earn points - dividing schools into 'red' and 'blue' categories."

A dispersal order was issued in Greenwich, south London, in response to a dangerous social media trend called 'school wars' that encourages children as young as 11 to fight pupils from rival schools. The trend divides schools into 'red' and 'blue' categories, inspired by Los Angeles gangs the Bloods and Crips, with children encouraged to arm themselves with weapons like compasses, scissors, and metal combs to earn points. The Section 35 Dispersal Order, effective until 10pm on Friday, grants police authority to disperse any gathering of youths to prevent crime and disorder. Police increased patrols throughout the borough and worked with council wardens and partners to prevent violent incidents.

Read at www.standard.co.uk