Police are increasing patrols in Hackney, East London, following the spread of a social media post that appears to incite a large-scale fight among students from eight different schools. This incident occurs just days after a stabbing incident at a London school left two pupils seriously injured, raising significant concerns about youth violence and online radicalization. The social media post, described as a "Hackney War," reportedly divides the schools into opposing sides and encourages participants to bring weapons.
The immediate police presence aims to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of students in the affected areas.
Background of Tensions and Incidents
Recent events have heightened anxieties regarding safety in and around Hackney's schools. The call for a "Hackney War" follows a separate incident in Brent where two pupils were stabbed on school grounds.
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Schools Involved: The social media post names City Academy, Cardinal Pole, Haggerston School, Urswick School, The Excelsior Academy, Bridge Academy, Mossbourne Community Academy, and City of London Academy Shoreditch Park.
Recent Stabbing: Two pupils, in Year 7 and Year 8, were stabbed in a school in Brent. A 13-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder in relation to this event.
Online Escalation: The "Hackney War" post emerged shortly after the Brent stabbing, suggesting a potential link or shared atmosphere of tension.
Nature of the Social Media Threat
The social media post details a planned confrontation between students from multiple schools, specifying a location and a call to arms.
"Hackney War" Concept: The post outlines a conflict, dividing named schools into "red" and "blue" factions.
Call for Weapons: Reports indicate the post urges students to bring weapons to the planned gathering.
Target Location: Year 9 students are reportedly being urged to confront rivals outside a McDonald's on Mare Street.
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"The safety and wellbeing of students is our highest priority." - City of London Academies Trust
The City of London Academies Trust has stated its commitment to student safety and is working with authorities.
Broader Context of Youth Violence and School Safety in Hackney
The recent social media incident is situated within a wider landscape of concerns about youth violence and school safety in the borough, including past controversies and infrastructure issues.
Child Q Scandal and Policing Changes
A previous incident, the Child Q scandal involving a strip-search of a student, led to an overhaul of police roles within Hackney schools.
New Role for Safer Schools Officers (SSOs): SSOs will now focus on advising on policy rather than direct involvement in non-criminal youth issues.
Safeguarding Focus: This change aims to improve child safeguarding protocols following the Child Q incident.
Vandalism of School Streets
Separately, Hackney Council's "school streets" initiative, designed to restrict traffic near schools for safety, has been the target of vandalism.
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Attacks on Traffic Calming Measures: Poles and cameras have been damaged, with spray paint and severed wires reported.
Affected Schools: Incidents have occurred near Sir Thomas Abney, Holmleigh, Springfield Community, and Simon Marks schools.
Council Response: Hackney Council has condemned the vandalism and is reassessing its school street program.
Past Incidents of Violence
There have been other reported instances of violence in the vicinity of Hackney schools.
Attack Near Excelsior Academy: In December, an adult was attacked by a group of males, some reportedly armed, near The Excelsior Academy. No arrests have been made.
Official Responses and Community Concerns
Educational institutions and local authorities are actively responding to the social media threat and broader safety concerns.
School Statements: City of London Academies Trust has issued statements emphasizing student safety and collaboration with police.
Police Action: Increased police patrols are in place across Hackney to deter potential violence.
Parental Appeals: Some parents have urged children to remain safe and vigilant.
Expert Insights
Analysts suggest that the ease of information dissemination on social media can rapidly escalate conflicts among young people. The connection between online threats and real-world violence remains a critical area of concern for law enforcement and educators.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The current situation in Hackney highlights the persistent challenges of youth violence, amplified by social media, and the complex efforts to maintain safety within educational environments.
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Immediate Focus: The priority is de-escalating the situation stemming from the "Hackney War" social media post and preventing any outbreak of violence.
Ongoing Investigation: Police are investigating the origins and dissemination of the threatening social media content.
Collaborative Efforts: Schools, police, and the local council are expected to continue working together to address the immediate threat and underlying issues of youth safety.
Sources Used
AOL: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/police-probe-shock-call-violence-east-london-schools-hackney-war-b1270988.html (Summary covers police patrols and school involvement in the "Hackney War" post, as well as the Brent stabbing incident.)
Metro: https://metro.co.uk/2026/02/13/worrying-advert-circulates-calling-schools-hackney-to-fight-weapons-26873159/ (Summary details the social media post, the schools named, the "Hackney War" concept, and the connection to the Brent stabbing.)
UMVA: https://www.umva.net/tips/article/57072 (Summary mentions fear ignited by the post, youth violence, social media influence, the "Hackney War," and school statements.)
BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7v63np086eo (Summary discusses the overhaul of school policing in Hackney following the Child Q scandal, establishing context for police roles in schools.)
MyLondon: https://www.mylondon.news/news/east-london-news/hackney-school-streets-traffic-calming-31219784 (Summary details vandalism of school streets in Hackney, including severed poles and trashed cameras, providing context on infrastructure safety issues.)
This is Local London: https://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/24788841.downs-park-road-shacklewell-man-attacked-near-school/ (Summary reports an attack by a group, some armed, near The Excelsior Academy, illustrating previous violent incidents in the area.)
Eastlondonlines: https://www.eastlondonlines.co.uk/2024/12/hackney-schools-bullying-council-urged-to-investigate-draconian-treatment-of-pupils/ (Summary discusses bullying concerns and the structure of Hackney schools, with academies having autonomy over their operations, providing context on school management.)
Parliament Politics Magazine: https://parliamentnews.co.uk/hackney-school-streets-vandalised-in-appalling-sabotage (Summary reiterates the vandalism of school streets, the condemnation by authorities, and the aim of school streets to improve safety.)
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