Two illegal street parties in London closed down by police

Police said the events at Clapham Common, pictured, and Tooting Bec were causing "significant disruption"

Two illegal street parties have been broken up by police during another night of unlawful gatherings in London.

Dispersal zones were put in place in Clapham Common and Tooting Bec Common to clear crowds causing "significant disruptions" on Saturday night.

The zones allow uniformed officers extra powers to order people to leave the area and not return.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has called on people not to attend street parties, protests or mass celebrations.

Speaking on BBC One's The Andrew Marr Show, she said: "As much as people do want to be out right now - the weather is amazing - stick to the rules, follow the guidance."

'Simply unacceptable'

She said the rise of mass gatherings held in recent days was "unacceptable" and that it risked a second wave of Covid-19 which would devastate the UK economy.

Ms Patel said "thuggishness and violent behaviour is simply unacceptable", and more resources would be made available to the police if needed.

She also encouraged people to follow rules and guidance when pubs and restaurants begin to reopen next weekend.

The Common was left covered in rubbish

Many local residents complained on Twitter about the rubbish left behind.

Pictures showed bins overflowing, as well as plastic bags, bottles and other waste strewn across the common. The rubbish has now been cleared.

Lambeth Council, which looks after Clapham Common, said it had put more bins out and in May, it had taken away an extra 22 tonnes of waste compared to the same time last year.

Shirley Kermer, chair of Friends of Clapham Common, said: "When people arrived on the Common first thing this morning, there was disbelief, dismay, there were tears and to see it trashed - there's no other word for it - it was trashed.

"We're in a pandemic."

The Met said unlicensed music events were "unlawful", "unregulated" and officers would close them down.

It said police were "building relationships" with communities as illegal street parties continued to be held.

On Friday unlicensed events were held in Newham and another in Kensal Town which then moved on to Maida Vale.

On Wednesday, more than 20 police officers were injured during clashes at an illegal street party in Brixton and on Thursday night, officers were pelted with objects while trying to disperse a party in Notting Hill.

Objects were thrown at officers as they tried to disperse crowds in Notting Hill

Police attended the latest unlawful events and remained at Clapham Common and Tooting Bec Common until people had left.

The Met said: "We understand the impact these are having on the local community, officers will remain at both scenes until the events are cleared."

It said unlicensed music events were organised gatherings covered by different legislation to people not socially distancing in parks.

Met Commander Bas Javid said: "We're maintaining a significant policing presence in London tonight.

"That's because throughout the last week we've seen a series of unlicensed music events take place across London, some of which have descended into disorder.

"These events are unlawful, they are unregulated and we will take a very firm position against them."