A Penge and Cator police officer showed the "ultimate bravery" when he approached two suspects allegedly trying to steal a moped before being assaulted.

The incident in Chestnut Grove, Penge, on Sunday afternoon (January 28) turned ominous when the youths became aggressive and tried to take the lone officer's body-worn video camera.

During the incident "a hostile crowd" formed around the officer who had to call for back-up.

Multiple units responded to the call including a nearby firearms unit.

Another teenager came out of a house nearby with a wooden pole, which he threw at officers.

Despite the attack, the first officer on the scene managed to detain two suspects before directing colleagues to the youth who threw the pole.

A police spokesman said: "Two 15-year-old males and one 18-year-old male were arrested at the scene for assault, affray and theft. They have been taken to a south London police station."

The Crystal Palace Police twitter account said the officer "showed ultimate bravery when faced with three violence males".

The moped was recovered and returned to the owner.