Five suspects have been arrested and two more identified after a violent robbery near Rocks Lane back in May, the Met has announced.
The attack in broad daylight left a 13-year-old boy injured and residents shaken. It also raised renewed concerns about youth violence and street crime in the area — as well as tensions around how local authorities are responding.
The teenager was set upon by a group of boys who assaulted him and stole his phone. It was filmed and the footage widely circulated on social media, prompting alarm among parents.
In an emailed update yesterday afternoon, Inspector Steve Burke confirmed that five suspects had been arrested, with three remanded in custody. Two others are on police bail as the Crown Prosecution Service reviews charging options, and officers are now pursuing two further suspects.
“Fighting violent street crime remains our priority,” Inspector Burke said. “We will pursue all possible lines of enquiry to arrest those involved in such criminal activity.”
The arrests followed a joint effort involving Putney neighbourhood officers, CID detectives, and the Met’s proactive offender team. Officers were able to identify several suspects using footage from the scene, combined with local knowledge and forensic evidence.
A Point of Friction at Public Meeting
The incident became a flashpoint at a public meeting that took place a few days after the event, where local residents had gathered to discuss Putney High Street. At the meeting — chaired by MP Fleur Anderson and attended by council officials and police — tensions rose when it emerged that Inspector Burke had not been briefed on the robbery, despite its high profile and community impact.
Burke, returning from leave to attend the meeting, promised to follow up after residents provided him with the full details on the night, which this communication was clearly intended to deliver.
But for some, the lack of awareness at the time reinforced concerns about disconnection between local authorities and the real-world experiences of residents, especially given a current shortage of police officers in Putney.
Calls for Reassurance and Action
Residents continue to call for:
- Increased patrols in known hotspots
- Better communication between police and the public
- Targeted youth services to prevent further violence
Local leaders say they are working to ensure lessons are learned and community safety remains a top priority.
