Ofsted has carried out surprise inspections on schools in Bexley, just weeks after a massive brawl took place in the borough.

More than 100 pupils were involved in the fight in Northumberland Heath on September 19 where seven people, aged 15 to 21, were arrested.

Some of the youngsters were reportedly armed with baseball bats, knives and firearms.

News Shopper understands that one of the schools inspected was St Catherine's in Watling Street, Bexleyheath.

The school is believed to be accused of marginalising its pupils which then played a part in the violent scenes.

News Shopper:

The scene of the fight

Ofsted is yet to publish reports from the schools it visited.

A spokesman said: “Ofsted inspected a number of schools without notice following reports of a disturbance involving a large number of children.

“These inspections were conducted to check on the school’s approach to promoting good behaviour, including assessing how well leaders and staff manage pupils’ behaviour and the extent to which the school’s culture promotes and supports good behaviour.

“We will write to the schools shortly and these monitoring letters will be published on our website.”

Ofsted is not the only official body that has taken steps to prevent future brawls in the borough.

The Met Police heightened their presence by authorising “direction to leave” notices in the area of Bexleyheath town centre and Northumberland Heath last month.

It meant that people would be asked to leave the area if they were seen alarming, harassing or distressing members of the public.

A Met Police spokesman said: “We will continue to provide a heightened police presence and have an appropriate and proportionate policing plan in place.”