The heart stopping moment a toddler stares down a gang of hooded thugs as they attacked a woman and man has been released.
In an astonishing show of bravery, the toddler attempts to protect the duo as they are punched in the face during the disturbing South East London exchange.
As the violence intensifies, the toddler then tries to chase the gang away before bystanders intervene to protect the sparring parties. The video was taken of the incident in Sidcup, near the London-Kent border.
The man, woman and toddler are initially seen in the footage walking up to a car before they are spotted by the group of two men.
The thugs approach the vehicle and within seconds are unleashing punches on the woman and man, with the latter’s head targeted.
The male victim falls to the ground as he attempts to protect himself before the woman then attempts to drag the attackers away from the man.
She is also heard swearing and screaming at the attackers during the footage.
A third man then joins the attackers who continue pummelling the man as he lies on the ground attempting to grab at his bag.
The child, who followed the woman and man as they were attacked, then stands up to the group, screaming in horror.
Following the incident, which took place at 5pm on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said it had launched an investigation.
A spokesperson said: “Police were called at about 17:05hrs on Wednesday, 10 January to reports of a fight on Halfway Street in Sidcup.
“Officers attended and were informed that a teenage girl had been punched in the face. There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.”
