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A police constable told today how he was attacked by a mob after asking a schoolgirl to pick up a burger wrapper.
Anthony Smith was surrounded by up to 40 people after confronting the teenager in a shopping precinct in Croydon.
The town's crown court heard how the 15-year-old exploded into a frenzy of violence and screamed abuse as Pc Smith tried to speak to her friend.
The beat officer told a jury he was suddenly grabbed by the throat from behind and pulled to the ground before being kicked and stamped on. He was targeted by members of the crowd as the girl grappled with his colleague, Pc Perry Lathwood, before repeatedly punching him in the face.
The teenager then jumped on the second officer's back and bit through his protective vest into his shoulder, the court heard.
The alleged attack was in the busy North End shopping area in July last year. Pc Smith suffered bruising and cuts while Pc Lathwood had a bite injury and bruising.
The girl, who cannot be named because of her age, and two Croydon men Wayne Elliston, 34, and Harold Hill, 38, deny violent disorder. The trial continues.
Reader views (2)
Yeah I heard the girls parents actually wanted to lodge a complaint against the police because they arrested her and "ruined her summer holiday"
- Dan, Croydon
This is disgusting behaviour.
Kids/teenagers acting like this towards the law. Where are the children's parents or schools in stopping behaviour like this??
This country is breeding disrespectful generation who use violence for laughs.
Discipline starts in the home, continues through the schools and is enforced by authorities ... clearly this is not the case.
- Shannon, London
