Leicestershire Police has contacted nearly 20 schools across the city and county after posters appeared on social media naming them as part of a “school war” trend.
The digital posters, which have been shared on platforms including Snapchat and TikTok, pit pupils from across the region against each other in two opposing teams.
The posters, which target pupils in Years 7 through 11, list two dates for organised “rounds” of violence, the first scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, March 5, and a second on Thursday, March 12.
The trend, which originated in London before spreading to the West Midlands, involves pupils being encouraged to film physical confrontations to score points for their colour.
The force has confirmed that officers from Neighbourhood Policing Areas have been in touch with the schools referenced in the posts and that a “policing plan” is in place for tomorrow. The posts have been seen by hundreds of parents across the city and county.
The poster encourages pupils from rival schools to engage in organised fights(Image: Facebook)
Which Leicestershire schools are named in the ‘school war’ trend?
The Red side names Millgate, Lancaster Academy, Castle Mead, New College, Soar Valley, Orchard Mead, Beaumont Leys and Avanti.
The Blue side lists Brookmead, Wigston, Crown Hills, Samworth, Fulhurst, Moat, Babington, Rushey Mead and Wigston Academy.
A force spokesperson said: “The force is aware of videos and posts being circulated on social media. Those schools referenced in the post have been contacted by officers from their relevant Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA) and advised to report any issues or concerns. An appropriate policing plan is in place.”
The alert comes after schools in Walsall and Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, issued similar warnings to parents this week.
Similar posts in other regions have reportedly encouraged pupils to use everyday items including metal combs and compasses as weapons, with headteachers urging parents to monitor their children’s social media use and ensure they return home promptly after school.