Two teenagers have been charged with criminal damage with intent to endanger life following a shocking incident at Westfield Stratford.
The Incident
The charges come after reports of furniture being thrown from the top level of the shopping centre on Saturday, 1 March 2025. The reckless act sparked panic among shoppers and posed a serious risk to public safety.
Following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police, two boys from Hackney, east London—aged 14 and 16—were arrested on Tuesday, 4 March. Due to their age, the suspects cannot be named for legal reasons.
Court Appearance
The pair have now been formally charged and are set to appear at Stratford Youth Court on Tuesday, 6 May 2025. The charges relate to criminal damage with intent to endanger life, a serious offence that underscores the potential danger their actions posed.
Police Statement
A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police said:
“The safety of the public is our top priority, and we take incidents like this extremely seriously. Reckless behaviour that puts lives at risk will not be tolerated, and we are committed to ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.”
Community Reaction
The incident at one of London’s busiest shopping centres left many visitors shaken and concerned. One shopper, who witnessed the event, said:
“It was terrifying to see furniture just flying from the upper levels. We were just lucky no one got hurt.”
Looking Ahead
Police continue to appeal for any witnesses or individuals who may have footage of the incident to come forward. Anyone with information is encouraged to call 101, quoting reference CAD 3105/01MAR25.
Westfield management has also reiterated its commitment to safety and security, working closely with local authorities to prevent such incidents in the future.
