Police issue dispersal order after disturbance in Ardleigh Green

It follows a disturbance outside Havering College yesterday (credit: Google Maps)

Police have issued a dispersal order near to the Havering College campus in Ardleigh Green, after a large group gathered outside the college yesterday, in anticipation of a fight.

Around 80 young people, many of whom were not students at the college, turned up to watch the fight.

Police say it followed a “low-level” incident involving two students which then escalated on social media.

But schools officers and police attended and the crowd dispersed prior to any altercation taking place.

Local officers are concerned about the potential for further incidents over the coming days as the half-term holiday approaches.

Other concerns include weapons found by police in the Ardleigh Green area, during sweeps as part of Operation Riverside, which launched last month.

A spokesperson from the Havering College told Time 107.5FM : “The dispersal yesterday was the result of a large number of people who were not college students, coming to the area. 

“It’s important to note that no weapons found during Operation Riverside have been linked back to the college. We welcome the proactive police activity in the local area recently, which is helping to keep our students safe.”

s.35 Dispersal Order in place – in & around Ardleigh Green Road & College. Anyone with any info can contact police 101 (non-emer), 999 (emer), @MetCC DM Online, @FearlessORG @CrimestoppersUK with any info anon. Local Policing Teams patrolling in area. @LBofHavering pic.twitter.com/XzKKOB87BZ

— Havering MPS. #HandsFaceSpace (@MPSHavering) October 21, 2020

In a statement, a Met Police spokesperson said: “The issues are being addressed by police and College regarding interventions and de-escalation between both young people involved.

“The incident [revolves] around an issue between two students, which was low level, but due to social media inputs and exchanges has led to others becoming involved, seeing young people attending yesterday to essentially watch ‘a fight’ between both parties.”

The spokesperson added that no one was harmed during yesterday’s incident and no weapons were found.

No arrests were made and patrols will be carried out in the area of the next few days.

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