YOBS who looted Oxford Street in a TikTok-fuelled frenzy will face punishment, Rishi Sunak vowed today.
The PM said the louts who ran riot last Wednesday were “appalling” and their behaviour “unacceptable”.
A person is detained outside McDonald’s on Oxford Street, central London during the looting
Rishi Sunak on a hospital visit today
More than 100 teenagers caused havoc on London’s flagship shopping thoroughfare after being whipped up on social media.
At least nine people have been arrested and a dispersal order was put in place by the Met Police.
Asked about the thuggery for the first time today, Mr Sunak said: “This obviously happened while I was abroad. I have got to say it is appalling.
“Criminal damage, criminal behaviour is unacceptable. I fully support the police in bringing those people to justice.
“I want anyone watching who is thinking about this, who sees something like this, to know that they will be met with the full force of the law.
“Because that type of behaviour is simply unacceptable in our society.”
TikTok has faced calls to stamp up content that aims to organise mobs like the Oxford Street event.
A spokesman for the company denied being responsible for the carnage, saying it has “zero tolerance for content facilitating or encouraging criminal activities”.
Viral clips on TikTok had promoted a “mass shoplifting” spree, with yobs have called on shoppers to “rob” various outlets in the capital’s high-end retail district.
A poster in support of the stunt advertised a dress code of “bally [balaclava] and gloves” and warned participants not to bring weapons.
