ANARCHY on the streets of London forced a rock band from Tunbridge Wells to abandon one of its gigs this week.

Mobs of menacing youths gathering near the Proud Galleries in Camden on Monday night led police to close the popular music venue, leaving punk rockers Filthy Nights the daunting task of finding a safe passage home.

Frontman Sam Comley said: "If we had stayed for our set it would have been absolutely horrible.

"We were due on stage by 10pm, but by 9.45pm the police said everyone needed to leave."

Left with no choice but to walk, the band hot-footed it to Chalk Farm underground station as just yards away mobs armed with bins, signs and bottles began to wreak havoc.

A cycle shop was looted opposite where Mr Comley's band had been due to play.

A Sainsbury's store and bars along the same road were also targeted as police were pelted with rocks and bottles.

Mr Comley, 26, said his band had got out just in time.

"There were groups of kids walking the other way with their faces covered and wearing goggles," he said.

"We just made sure we got to the station as quickly as we could. If we had stayed any longer, who knows what would have happened?"