A shopping centre has been placed on high alert over a “potential social media threat” which could see “gangs of youths” targeting stores.

Police have issued a dispersal order following Tik Tok and Snapchat rumours about a ‘mass robbery’ taking place in a similar fashion to an incident which happened in Oxford Street, London, which saw hundreds of youths fighting police in the capital.

A letter sent by centre managers to all tenants at the Broadway Shopping Centre in Bexleyheath, explained that stores in the shopping complex should prepare for the worst.

It read: “Many of you will have seen on social media the potential threat of stores being targeted by gangs of youths who intend to steal stock.

“They are targeting specific towns and Bexleyheath has been listed for this coming Saturday (August 12).

“Whilst this may come to nothing, we have chosen to take the threat seriously in order that we cover every eventuality.

“We will be increasing the number of guards within the shopping centre, ensuring that one is positioned at each main entrance. If we see that there is any trouble outside we will shut all entrances until everything calms down.

“For those who trade front facing on the Square, please be assured that extra police will be patrolling throughout the day and the BID is ordering extra private security personnel who will work alongside the police to keep everyone safe.

“If you see any activity outside that concerns you then we would encourage you to close your doors until the trouble subsides.

“It is our hope that this will come to nothing, however, please be assured that every course of action is being taken to ensure your safety.”

At 4pm yesterday (Friday, August 11) the Met Police issued a 48 hour dispersal order covering Bexleyheath and Welling.

It is presumed it was issued as a result of the social media trend threat.

On Thursday there was a noticeable police presence in Gravesend over fears of a similar ‘mob’ attending the town’s Tesco store, after a mass meeting was advertised on social media.

Anyone wearing a face covering could be asked to take it off after a dispersal order was issued.

It came after messages were circulated on Snapchat encouraging people to meet in Gravesend at 3pm for a “robbery”.