Two unarmed police officers were attacked by a mob of 30 black adults and teenagers in London

Two unarmed police officers who were attacked by a mob of 30 adults and teenagers are 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. Police said violence was sparked after the patrolling officers confronted the teenage girl. 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.