Cars can be seen driving erratically into a crowd of shouting onlookers
Multiple cars were driven at the crowd of young people(Image: X/@London & UK Street News)
A shocking video has shown cars being wildly driven at a mob of youths gathered in Beckenham. The incident took place at the entrance of Beckenham Place Park shortly after 5pm on Wednesday, April 8.
The clip, shared by @CrimeLdn on X, appears to show panicked onlookers trying not to be hit as two vehicles drive erratically into the crowd near the popular park on the Bromley and Lewisham border. One – a dark-coloured Audi – crashes into a parked vehicle, while a second car is smashed up by the crowd.
Projectiles are also thrown. One member of the group shouts: “Holy sh*t!” as the mayhem unfolds. Police were called to the neighbourhood following reports of disorder near the large park. No arrests have been made in connection.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “We recognise the concern this has caused for local residents and officers are working at pace to identify and locate those seen in the videos. Local people can expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.
“We’d encourage anyone with information to get in touch with us so we can pursue every possible line of enquiry.”
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The cause of the disturbance is not clear. Lewisham East Labour MP Janet Daby said the now-viral incident is not welcome in the South London borough.
She added: “The disorder reported on Wednesday night near Beckenham Place Park is completely unacceptable and has no place in our community. I remain in contact with the Metropolitan Police and the London Borough of Lewisham.
“If anyone involved in this incident feels they have been a victim of a crime, I would encourage them to contact the police at 101. The safety and wellbeing of my community remains my highest priority, and I will continue to work with all relevant authorities.”
Reacting to the video, locals told of their concern about how the area had changed. “Very sad to see,” wrote one social media user, “When I grew up there, it was the quietest part of London.”
Another said: “Beckenham used to be a lovely place to live. Not anymore,” while a third added: “London is like a really bad, low-budget crime drama.”
Lewisham Council declined to comment.
Anyone with relevant information or footage is urged to contact 101, quoting CAD 5873/8Apr.
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