Two unarmed police officers who were attacked by a mob of 30 adults and teenagers were today receiving hospital treatment after being bitten, kicked and punched.

The officers were attacked by the gang after asking a teenage girl to pick up some litter.

Other teenagers and adults then attacked the officers after the girl refused their request and dropped the litter again.

One of the officers required hospital treatment after the attack in Northend, Croydon, South London on Wednesday afternoon.

Police said violence was sparked after the patrolling officers confronted the teenage girl at about 3pm.

They asked her to pick up a fast food wrapper from a nearby takeaway which she did, before immediately dropping it in front of them.

When they asked her to pick it up again a friend with the girl became aggressive towards the officers.

The incident escalated quickly as a group of 30 people gathered around the officers and attacked them. Around five young females were joined by a group of older males in their thirties and forties. All members of the gang were described as black.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the officers, aged 34 and 29, were on sick leave suffering from bruising and knee injuries.

One officer, who was white, was bitten on the shoulder. The other officer, who was black, was kicked in the knee, police said.

“The incident escalated very quickly as a group of people gathered around the officers and intimidated and attacked them,” a Met Police spokesman said.

A 15-year-old girl was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault. She has been released on police bail.

Two men aged 34 and 38, both from South Norwood, were arrested on suspicion of assault and violent disorder yesterday.

Inspector Simon Ellingham said officers were examining CCTV footage from the area.

He said: “We have heard from several retailers in the area who were horrified at the level of violence used by the crowd against the officers.

“Whilst we would never use the word 'mob' which is an inflammatory word, we can confirm that eye witnesses have described their initial fear that officers were going to be seriously injured or killed.”

The news came after an 18-year-old boy was stabbed to death in London last night, becoming the 21st teenager to die violently in the capital this year.

Frederick Moody died after being attacked in Guildford Road, Lambeth, South London.

A 16-year-old was arrested this morning in Brixton over the killing. Frederick, known as Freddy, stumbled down the road before collapsing from stomach wounds, it was reported.

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• Postmen: We bind the nation together
• Tewkesbury: when the memories flood back
• Cast Offs actress: I’m happy that my face fits