Police probe shock call for violence between east London schools

"Schoolchildren in year 9 were encouraged to be violent' and bring sharp items, such as compasses and metal combs, to the McDonald's on Mare Street in Hackney, as part of a fight being organised on social media. The shocking post announces a Hackney War between eight different east London schools that have been divided into red and blue sides. The schools mentioned in the post include City Academy, Cardinal Pole, Haggerston School, Urswick School, The Excelsior Academy, Bridge Academy, Mossbourne Community Academy"

"The post asks onlookers to share video footage of the attacks with the event's organiser. One concerned parent shared the post on Facebook, writing, To all you that are parents out there, please speak to your children and inform the local for this needs to be stopped before somebody gets seriously hurt!! I am so saddened and angry by seeing his post and after speaking to friends finding out that this is actually happening in Hackney. Please keep your children safe, she urged."

A social media post announced a 'Hackney War' pitting eight east London schools against each other in red and blue sides and encouraged Year 9 pupils to bring sharp items to a McDonald's on Mare Street for organised fights. The post requested onlookers to share video footage with the organiser. Parents expressed alarm on Facebook and urged conversations with children and police involvement. City of London Academies Trust said student safety is highest priority, condemned promotion of violence, and said it is working with parents, the Metropolitan Police, and partners. The Metropolitan Police said it is investigating and will take robust action.

Read at www.standard.co.uk