Police officers who stopped to help an apparent assault victim were set upon in a “disgraceful” attack which has been condemned by the home secretary and police chiefs.
A video posted on social media begins as an officer is on the ground grappling with a male. He is then kicked, while his female colleague is pushed when she tries to intervene.
Several men, including one with a baseball bat, surround the Scotland Yard officers swearing, shouting and filming on their phones, with one even dancing and taking a selfie during the assault.
The full details of what happened before the filmed assault are not yet known.
Both officers suffered minor injuries in the incident, in Frampton Park Road, Hackney, east London, at around 3.30pm on Wednesday, Scotland Yard said.
They had been flagged down by a member of the public who said they had been attacked and pointed them towards the suspects, a spokesperson added.
The Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, said attacks on officers seem to be increasing, adding: “Yet again this starkly shows the dangers @metpoliceuk face and the bravery they show each and every day keeping Londoners safe.”
Chairman Ken Marsh said: “We are not society’s punchbags. We have families we want to go home to at the end of every shift. But the dangers are stark. And seemingly escalating.”
Home secretary Priti Patel tweeted: “Sickening, shocking & disgraceful.
“My thoughts are with the outstanding @metpoliceuk officers who were subject to this disgusting violent attack.”
John Apter, chairman of the Police Federation, said: “Horrific, stomach churning scenes.
“Disgusting behaviour from those who attack the officers, those who film what’s going on and those who do nothing. They are cowards, the lot of them.”
A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said two men, aged 20 and 38, have been arrested on suspicion of assaulting police. They remain in custody in an east London police station.
Superintendent Martin Rolston said: “This incident, which was captured on someone’s mobile phone is truly shocking.
“My officers went to the assistance of a member of the public – who asked for their help – after stating that they had been assaulted. What happened next is a reminder of the risks our officers take whilst going about their duties.
“It is fortunate that their injuries are not more serious. There is no place for this level of violence on our streets.”
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, added: “I utterly condemn the disgraceful attack on two Metropolitan Police officers this afternoon.
“These brave officers were doing their duty and assisting the public. We owe them a debt of gratitude and I wish them a full and speedy recovery.
“Attacks on our police will not be tolerated. I urge anyone with information to come forward to ensure the perpetrators of this disgusting attack feel the full force of the law.”
Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville also condemned the attack. He tweeted: “Anyone seeing these videos tonight will be as shocked & horrified as I am by this attack on two Hackney police officers. My thoughts are with both officers & praise their bravery when faced with this situation. Our police are here to protect us & scenes like this are unacceptable.”