Fifteen Year Old Girl Asked to Pick Up Her Litter, Then Police Attacked.

Two police officers were attacked by a mob in south London when they asked a 15-year-old girl to pick up some litter she dropped.

Metropolitan Police said one of the officers suffered injuries including a bite wound in the attack in North End in Croydon, on Wednesday afternoon.

Up to 30 people attacked the officers when the girl refused to pick up the litter and became aggressive.

A girl who was arrested on suspicion of assault has been released on bail.

Two men, aged 34 and 38 and both from South Norwood, were held on Thursday morning on suspicion of assault and violent disorder.

Police said the girl initially picked up the litter when asked by the patrolling officers, but immediately dropped it again sparking a confrontation leading to the attack.

The officers, aged 34 and 29, who suffered bruising and knee injuries, were currently on sick leave, police said.

And the 34-year-old officer who received the bite wound required hospital treatment.

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."

With thanks to BBC News bbc.co.uk/news for this news item.