A man who broke up a fight involving teenage boys armed with machetes has been hailed a hero.
Dramatic footage taken in broad daylight in Burgess Park, south-east London, on Sunday, shows one teenager being pushed to the ground while two others advance towards him armed with what appear to be large knives.
Moments later, a brave bystander rushes in between them in an attempt to stop the violence.
The man can be heard shouting, “What are you doing? Stop it,” as he separates the boys.
A witness who shared the video on social media praised the man, saying: “This happened today in Burgess Park, SE London, where I play football every Sunday morning.
“The knife crime in London is alarming. The man who separated those boys deserves a medal — he saved a life.”
The footage also shows a crowd gathered around the scene, with several people filming the incident on their phones as the violence unfolded.
Police said four boys, aged 16 and 17, were arrested on suspicion of offences including affray, causing grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.
A spokesperson for Met Police said: “Police were called at around 12:30hrs on Sunday, 17 May to reports of an altercation in Burgess Park, Camberwell.
“Officers attended and searched the area with the assistance of the police helicopter.
“Four boys, aged 16 and 17, were arrested on suspicion of offences including affray, causing grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.
“Three boys were arrested near the scene, while a fourth was arrested later on Sunday evening. All four boys remain in police custody.
“Two of the boys who were arrested were reported to have suffered injuries in the incident, which were not life-threatening or life-changing.
“One, a 17-year-old boy, self-presented at hospital for treatment to wounds and was discharged later that afternoon, following which he was arrested at a property in Southwark.
“The second boy, a 16-year-old, was taken to hospital by police and was later discharged.
“The investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 3298/17MAY or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
