Sadiq Khan urges people to avoid Oxford Street following fears of ‘criminal activity’

A police dispersal order has been issued following fears that people may riot in Oxford Street this afternoon.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has also spoken out to encouraged people to avoid the area after viral clips on Tik Tok called for crowds to gather today and cause a disturbance. 

A spokesman for the Mayor of London said: “The Mayor urges anyone who has seen social media content encouraging them to commit crime around Oxford Street to ignore it. 

“The Met Police have more officers in the area today and anyone who does plan to become involved in criminality can expect to be dealt with robustly.”

A section 35 dispersal order came into force at 11am yesterday and will be in effect until 10am tomorrow. 

The order gives officers the power to exclude people from a specific area for 48-hours and anyone who fails to comply can be arrested. 

This comes almost a year after several gangs of youths were recorded in Oxford Circus, jumping on Ferraris, looting shops and assaulting police officers.

A spokesman from the Met said: “We are aware of social media speculation about an event which is alleged to take place in the Oxford Street area this afternoon. 

“There will be a heightened police presence in the area and anyone who does participate in criminal activity will be dealt with by officers.”

“We are working very closely with our partners, including the New West End company, to ensure that any criminal behaviour is dealt with quickly.”

The Met are urging anyone who sees or hears anything suspicious relating to the issue to call 999 in an emergency or 101 if it is a non-emergency.  

Pictured top: Sadiq Khan (Picture: PA)