A Clerkenwell magistrate warned every effort would be made to stop racial disorders spreading to other parts of London.

His comments came as he remanded in custody a printer’s assistant from Holloway who had pleaded guilty to a charge a flick knife, without lawful excuse.

Hagland also pleaded guilty to a charge of using threatening behaviour – which he denied – to a 16-year-old van boy.

Pc Peter Knode said a gang of 30 to 40 youths come out of a dance hall at the Boston pub and made their way down Fortess Road.

The juvenile was arrested at the scene after he reportedly made racist remarks.

The boy said after his arrest: “I came with the boys because they said there was going to be some trouble.”

n Clerkenwell Parochial, in Finsbury, was awarded the Patricia Challenge Cup for having the school garden with the best educational value.