TWO cops were savagely beaten by a 30-strong mob after they asked a teenage girl to pick up some litter she dropped.
The surly 15-year-old grabbed the fast-food wrapper, then deliberately threw it down in front of the officers.

When the PCs repeated their request, her friend became aggressive, shouting and swearing at them.

The pal then jumped on one of the cops and repeatedly bit him on the shoulder and torso.

Within moments up to 30 onlookers joined in the sickening attack, dragging the other officer to the ground.

The men, aged 29 and 34, fired CS gas canisters in a vain attempt to ward off the mob. Eyewitnesses said they feared for the lives of the constables one black, one white as they came under a hail of kicks and punches.

The PCs suffered severe bruising and knee injuries. The older cop, who was bitten, needed hospital treatment. Both were on sick leave last night.

The shocking incident happened at 3pm on Wednesday in a busy pedestrian shopping precinct in Croydon, South London.

Yesterday the mauled officer, who did not want to be named, told how he was jumped.

He said: 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.



It amazes you, it actually depresses you, the state of children today. The disrespect, not only for people who might be in the police but anyone older.

A colleague, who was called for back-up, said: They were acting like animals and I hate using that term. Animals have a reason for doing something. This is nonsense violence.

The girl biter was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault. She was later bailed. When her parents arrived at the police station they complained that the start of her summer holiday had been disrupted.

Two men, aged 34 and 38, of nearby South Norwood, were later arrested on suspicion of assault.

Police are studying CCTV video of the area. Anyone with info was urged to call 020 8649 0119 anonymously.