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Mob attacks officers over litter Mob attacks officers over litter
(10 minutes later)
Two police officers are on sick leave after being attacked by a mob in south London after they asked a 15-year-old girl to pick up her litter.Two police officers are on sick leave after being attacked by a mob in south London after they asked a 15-year-old girl to pick up her litter.
One officer was dragged to the ground and kicked while the other was bitten by a girl who jumped on his back.One officer was dragged to the ground and kicked while the other was bitten by a girl who jumped on his back.
Up to 30 people took part in the attack, which happened in North End, Croydon, on Wednesday afternoon.Up to 30 people took part in the attack, which happened in North End, Croydon, on Wednesday afternoon.
Trouble flared when the 15-year-old threw her food wrapper back on to the ground and became aggressive.Trouble flared when the 15-year-old threw her food wrapper back on to the ground and became aggressive.
Hospital treatment
A girl who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault has been released on bail.A girl who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault has been released on bail.
We had to call for urgent assistance because you are fearing for your life Metropolitan police officer
Two men, aged 34 and 38 and both from South Norwood, south London, have been arrested on suspicion of assault and violent disorder.Two men, aged 34 and 38 and both from South Norwood, south London, have been arrested on suspicion of assault and violent disorder.
Police said the girl initially picked up the fast food wrapper when asked by the patrolling officers, but immediately dropped it again sparking the confrontation.Police said the girl initially picked up the fast food wrapper when asked by the patrolling officers, but immediately dropped it again sparking the confrontation.
One of the officers told BBC London 94.9 that they tried to take the girl way from the group to talk to her. It was at that point a girl jumped on him and started biting.
"Then my colleague got pulled to the ground by a group of young males, so we had to call for urgent assistance because you are fearing for your life," he said.
Hospital treatment
"They started kicking him. I had this girl on my back who was biting me, so I had to throw her off and then retain her so she could get arrested."
The officers, aged 34 and 29, suffered bruising and knee injuries and are currently on sick leave.The officers, aged 34 and 29, suffered bruising and knee injuries and are currently on sick leave.
The officer who received the bite wound required hospital treatment.The officer who received the bite wound required hospital treatment.
He had originally contacted BBC London to discuss proposals to restrict the sale of alcohol to under-21s and talked about the Croydon attack.
We have heard from several retailers in the area who were horrified at the level of violence used by the crowd against the officers Insp Simon Ellingham
The officer said Croydon town centre was "very well policed" with at least six officers patrolling on foot at any time.
"It amazes you, it actually depresses you, the state of children today," he added.
"The disrespect, not only for people who might be in the police but anyone older."
Officers have been examining CCTV footage from the area.Officers have been examining CCTV footage from the area.
Insp Simon Ellingham 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."Insp Simon Ellingham 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."