Police officers in Richmond have issued a warning after a spate of anti-social behaviour and serious crime.

Officers are warning parents to stay aware of where their kids are going after school children gathered at Teddington Lock last Friday in a social media-arranged event.

Although police say most of the kids who attended weren't from Richmond, several offences occurred.

These include a sexual touching offence, a number of assaults and dangerous behaviour such as jumping from Teddington Lock bridge.

Police received a number of calls about anti-social behaviour, and the disruptive and concerning activity of these children.

Officers have information to suggest another event is being arranged for this Thursday in the same area, at the end of GCSE exams.

Due to this, police are ready to enforce a section 35 Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing order.

When in power, it is an offence to fail to comply with a direction given by an officer to disperse from the area and to return within a specified period after being directed to disperse from the area.

It is also an offence to fail to surrender items likely to cause anti-social behaviour, on request of a police officer or PCSO.

A number of officers will be on duty across Richmond and Kingston.

Police are working closely with local schools, local council Park Guard and the public to ensure school children celebrate the end of exams safely, and are asking that parents exercise their parental and safeguarding responsibilities too.

Officers are also reminding people that jumping into the Thames is not safe - with a significant risk of cold water shock.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "Police in Richmond are warning parents to stay aware of where children are going and what they are doing after a spate of anti-social behaviour and serious crime in the borough last week.

"Last Friday school-children gathered at Teddington Lock after an event arranged on social media.

"While most of those who attended were not from Richmond, several offences including a sexual touching offence, a number of assaults and dangerous behaviour such as jumping from Teddington Lock bridge occurred.

"Police received a number of calls about anti-social behaviour, and the disruptive and concerning activity of these children.

"Jumping into the Thames is not safe.

"There a significant risk of cold water shock, which can cause your body to go into shock no matter how fit you are. It causes panic, anxiety, disorientation and loss of muscular control, which cause you to gasp for air and as a result, inhale water.

"London’s waterways often have underwater refuse which can be a danger to swimmers.

"Police have information to suggest another event is being arranged for this Thursday in the same area, at the end of GCSE exams.

"Due to this, police are ready to enforce a section 35 Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing order, which when in power means it is an offence to:

"• Fail to comply with a direction given by a police officer or PCSO to disperse from the area.

"• Fail to surrender items likely to cause anti-social behaviour, on request of a police officer or PCSO.

"• Return within a specified period after being directed to disperse from the area.

"A number of officers will be on duty across Richmond and Kingston to keep the peace.

"Police are working closely with local schools, local council Park Guard and the public to ensure school children celebrate the end of exams safely, and are asking that parents exercise their parental and safeguarding responsibilities too."