A youth was arrested after a fight with security guards and tried to barge their way into Croydon Youth Court on Wednesday.

Security guards fought a running battle with several of youths as they tried to enter the court after being ordered to leave.

The fight soon spilled out onto Barclay Road with security guards trying to restrain the youths who became increasingly more violent.

Police officers were called and arrived outside of the court as one youth was detained by an off-duty detective.

Two other youths made off on their push-bikes towards East Croydon station, one was arrested a short time later but the other made a two-wheeled getaway towards Chatsworth Road.

A court source said: “They kicked off while their families just stood there and watched.

“It's getting worse, it's like a day out now for these people.

“They go to court for themselves or their friends and look at it like a bit of fun.

“Then when something doesn't go their way they think they have the right to just kick-off."

A spokesman for Croydon Police said: "We can confirm we were called to reports of a fight outside Croydon Youth Court at 1.25pm on Wednesday, October 6.

"A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of common assault and has been bailed to return to a south London police station in November."