Shocking video shows two police officers being battered by gang of thugs on London street in broad daylight

POLICE officers were kicked and shoved after being flagged down by people claiming to have been assaulted.

The two cops were filmed being taunted by a group of men in Hackney, London, as one grappled with one on the ground.

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The group of young men were filmed grappling with the cops[/caption]

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A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the officers were flagged down by members of the public[/caption]

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The officers were told there had been an assault and went to investigate before there was a ‘struggle’[/caption]

In the clip, filmed by a passer by, the officer appearing to restrain the man falls to the pavement with him.

The man puts a hand over the policeman’s mouth, as the rest of the group is filmed running over yelling and starting to kick the cop.

Another officer appears and screams “get back” as she attempts to push them away.

One person joins the group carrying a baseball bat, before taking a selfie as the cop continues to roll on the floor with one of the men.

The officer hits the man on the pavement with a baton, as she is jostled by the rest of the group.

Eventually she pulls out what appears to be pepper spray and uses it on the men as they shout “my eyes”.

Witnesses said at least ten officers arrived on the scene for back up.

Two men – aged 20 and 38 – were arrested on suspicion of assault on police. They are in custody at an east London police station.

‘SHOCKING’

Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted: “Sickening, shocking & disgraceful. My thoughts are with the outstanding @metpoliceuk officers who were subject to this disgusting violent attack.”

Superintendent Martin Rolston, from the Central East Command Unit, 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.

“We are engaging with our community partners to discuss what happened and I hope that anyone who witnessed what happened comes forward and speaks with us.”

Met Police Federation Chairman Ken Marsh said: “We are aware of a video circulating on social media this evening of a disgraceful attack on our colleagues from multiple individuals earlier today.

“On this occasion our colleagues are thankfully only reporting minor injuries – but the reality is it could have been much worse. We are not society’s punchbags.

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The pair grappled on the pavement before four other men joined in[/caption]

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One person took a selfie as the officer tussled with the man in the background[/caption]

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His colleague raced to help before reportedly spraying pepper spray[/caption]