Shocking video has emerged of the moment a police officer was attacked during a high street brawl in southeast London.
The Met PC was outnumbered after he confronted a group of men arguing at a bus stop in Bexleyheath Broadway on Valentine’s Day.
In footage shot from a passing bus, the lone officer shouts “on the floor” and raises his baton in a desperate attempt to keep the group at bay.
The PC manages to land two blows on one of the attackers before the men chase him down knocking him to the ground.
He suffered injuries to his head and face after being kicked on the ground.
Two passersby, including a chef from a nearby restaurant, were reportedly injured as they came to the officer’s defence.
Four men were arrested by officers who arrived at the scene, another was arrested later the same day.
All were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and assault on an emergency worker.
They were bailed to return on a date in mid-March.
Chief Inspector Tom Smith said: “This was a shocking attack on an officer who was simply doing his job, responding to an incident he saw nearby.
“Police officers routinely put themselves in harm’s way, dealing with dangerous situations and violent people.
“Tackling violent crime is the Met’s top priority, and that includes dealing robustly with those who assault our officers and other emergency workers.”
