THREE teenagers remain in police custody after dozens of officers were called in to break up a huge crowd of brawling teenagers.

Footage has emerged online of teenagers, mainly girls, scrapping in the street and brandishing baseball bats.

Officers were called to Hoe Street and Station Approach at around 5pm last night where a group of 200 had gathered.

The teenagers fought in the street bringing the centre of the town to a standstill.

A 16-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were arrested on suspicion of affray and an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

"The vast number of children who congregated in the area yesterday were merely there to watch and film on their phones rather than to participate in any criminal activities,” said Waltham Forest Chief Inspector Jon Simpson.

"We are working closely with our colleagues at Waltham Forest Council and local schools to identify those responsible for any criminal acts.

"We are providing additional high visibility policing patrols in the area to reassure local residents and businesses and to ensure that there is no repeat of last night's disturbance.”

A Dispersal Order was put in place and officers remained in the area to ensure the group dispersed and officers remained on scene until around 10pm.

College leaders confirmed this morning they are working to identify any students involved – who will face severe consequences.

Cllr Liaquat Ali MBE JP, cabinet member for community safety and cohesion said the police are working hard to ensure it will not happen again.

“While this was not a riot and there does not appear to have been any serious assaults or damage to property, we understand that seeing large numbers of people congregated in an area will be alarming to residents.

“The police did an excellent job of managing last night’s events.

“They will continue to have a presence in the local area to ensure no further crowds gather in the town centre.”

An investigation into the circumstances of the incident is being carried by detectives from Waltham Forest Borough, after rumours of it being over a love triangle began on Twitter.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

There are no reports of any injuries and those arrested remain in police custody.