Chaos has descended onto a busy south London high street, just days after dozens of teenagers stormed shops in the area. Witnesses say several stores on Clapham High Street were forced to close on Tuesday evening as huge crowds of youths ran wild in the area.

Footage shared online shows huge crowds of teenagers — many dressed in black — pouring out of a McDonald’s restaurant, groups running in the road and fires on the nearby common, allegedly started by fireworks. A heavy police presence can be seen reacting to the anarchy in videos circulating online. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed a dispersal order has been issued and two teenage girls have been arrested.

The spokesperson said: “Police are responding to an ongoing incident on Clapham High Street following reports of a large crowd of young people causing anti-social behaviour.

“Officers are on the scene, and a dispersal order has been put in place, meaning anyone congregating must leave the area.

“At this time two teenage girls have been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker. They have been taken to custody.

“Officers will remain in the area to offer support and respond to any concerns from local residents and businesses.”

Several stores along Clapham High Street have reportedly had to close, including the McDonald’s, M&S and a Sainsbury’s supermarket.

The Express understands that Waitrose has also shut early on advice from the police.

People online have been encouraging others to avoid the area, while one person said their partner had been “barricaded” inside the Sainsbury’s superstore due to the mobs.

Reports on social media claim an event was being shared online, encouraging teenagers to meet up en masse in Clapham on Tuesday afternoon.

It’s been suggested that the ‘relink’ is a follow-up to another event last weekend, which also saw chaos erupt on Clapham High Street.

Two 16-year-old girls and one 15-year-old girl were arrested for shoplifting and assault on Saturday, the Met said. They have since been bailed.

Footage from Saturday showed teenagers pushing each other and knocking over shelves from inside an M&S store.