An off-duty Merton policeman who was stamped on and had his arm broken by a gang of masked youths after he tried to report their suspicious behaviour has said he “would do it all again without hesitation”.

The bravery of the officer, who was kicked, punched and stamped on while he reported the pack’s suspicious behaviour to police, was praised by borough commander, Chief Superintendent Chris Bourlet.

The policeman, who was previously awarded for his bravery, was attacked in broad daylight in Earlsfield last Thursday after he spotted a group in a parked car acting suspiciously.

As he approached a black Ford Focus, which he believed to be stolen, he tried to take details of the number plate, police said.

As the officer reported the incident to police, the car drove back and the gang got out and beat him on the pavement.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “At approximately 11am police were called to Magdalen Road, by an off duty police officer, aged in his 40s, who had seen a suspicious vehicle.

“In the vehicle were four or five black males with hoods up, baseball caps and faces covered.

“The car sped off, then returned and the occupants got out and assaulted the victim. The victim’s phone was smashed on the floor and he sustained a broken arm.”

The robbery squad at Wandsworth is dealing with the investigation, but no arrests have been made.

Chief Supt Bourlet, who visited the officer at his home, said: “We're immensely proud of what he's done but not surprised he chose to take that action he did, even if it has cost him personally.

“It's typical of what Merton officers do on a daily basis and an element of risk wasn't going to stop him from doing his job.

"All our thoughts are with him. He's in good spirits and recovering well.”

The officer, who was taken to hospital but later discharged, said: “I'd do the same again without hesitation. You see something wrong and that's that, you just do something about it.

“I'm going to be off work for a number of weeks but I'm already keen to get back and get on with doing my job.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Wandsworth police on 020 8247 8871.