Gang battle: Seven arrested

Police gave 18 pictures to the paper in the hope readers could identify youths involved in the fight at McDonald’s, in Lewisham High Street.

Co-ordinated dawn raids led to the arrest and charge of youngsters, some as young as 14, last Thursday and Friday mornings.

Lance Alphonso Copeland, aged 18, of Lee High Road, Lewisham, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, both from Brockley, have all been charged with violent disorder.

They will appear at Greenwich Magistrates’ Court on July 18. Two 14-year-olds, one from Penge and the other from Crystal Palace have both been charged with violent disorder. They are expected to appear at Camberwell Youth Court on July 17.

A 16-year-old from Sydenham was bailed to return to the police station today. Police confirmed no further action will be taken against another youth.

The fight broke out on Easter Monday after a group of youths was sitting in the restaurant and another gang stormed in shouting “Penge, Penge”. Families were eating in the restaurant at the time.

Lewisham Sector Inspector Mark Chatfield, who thanked the New Shopper, said: “We had an excellent response and were very pleased, information has come from both the public and police officers. It has been a joint effort.” “There are several other suspects who have been identified. Their details have been circulated to police officers who will seek to arrest them in forthcoming days and weeks.

“The extent of the disorder was unacceptable. Lots of children and families were having a quiet meal at the time. I dread to think what they thought. We are determined to clamp down on any further outbreaks in the town centre and the rest of the borough. If gangs think they can come to Lewisham and misbehave they can expect to be arrested.” A McDonald’s press officer said: “We want our customers to feel safe in our restaurants and we will continue to work closely with police and other traders in the town centre.”