Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged the public to avoid participating in a TikTok-driven craze on Oxford Street, describing it as "nonsense". He advised individuals who had viewed the videos on the social media platform to refrain from visiting Oxford Street.
According to media reports, amid speculation surrounding an event advertised on TikTok, the Metropolitan Police is deploying additional officers to the central London, street.
Acknowledging online chatter about potential "crime opportunities" near Oxford Street, the police have instituted a dispersal order from 11 am Tuesday (8) to 10 am Thursday (10).
This order empowers officers to exclude individuals from the area for 48 hours, with non-compliance carrying the risk of arrest.
Khan advised people against being drawn into an area that could become a hub for criminal activity.
He emphasised against getting involved in an area that might have a higher crime rate. However, he assured that this would not be the case due to the diligent efforts of the police in collaboration with the local community, retailers, and citizens who seek a positive experience on Oxford Street.
A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police said that they are mindful of social media discussions surrounding an event slated for the Oxford Street vicinity later in the day.
Anticipating a significant police presence over the next 24 hours, the Metropolitan Police stated that those engaging in criminal behaviour should expect robust action.
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)