Police hurt by girls rioting over litter

A policeman was bitten and his colleague bruised when they were attacked by a large group of teenagers in a confrontation over litter.

The argument began after the officers told a 15-year-old girl to pick up a burger wrapper she had dropped in Croydon town centre. She picked it up, then dropped it on the ground again.

When the officers again asked the teenager to pick up the wrapper her friend - another girl of the same age - became aggressive. A group of teenagers gathered around the officers and the situation descended into a riot involving 30 people, including five girls and a number of older men.

A Met Police spokesman today said the officers, aged 34 and 29, were on sick leave suffering from bruising and knee injuries. The 34-year-old is believed to have been bitten on the shoulder and back by one of the girls and was taken to hospital.

A 15-year-old girl was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault after the incident in Northend at 3pm on Wednesday. She has been released on police bail. Two men, aged 34 and 38, both from South Norwood, were arrested on suspicion of assault and violent disorder yesterday.

Inspector Simon Ellingham said officers were examining CCTV footage. "We have heard from several retailers who were horrified at the level of violence used by the crowd against the officers," he added.

Anyone with information should call 020 8649 0119 and ask for Sergeant George Shannon or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.