Two men have been arrested after a large brawl broke out between delivery drivers in Tooting.
A man involved in the melee was swinging a metal pole around and another had a large knife.
A Metropolitan Police officer was punched while trying to restrain a suspect and other officers were “hit in the crossfire” after pepper-like spray was used against men trying to escape.
Those involved in the violent outburst “fought aggressively” with officers, Wandsworth Police said on Wednesday.
Officers from the Violence Suppression Unit were on patrol when they were called to the fight on Mitcham Road in south London last month.
A man, who initially presented as a victim, was later identified through CCTV as the main instigator of the fight.
Wandsworth Police said he started the fight and began “swinging at several people” with a metal pole.
He tried to provide officers with false details despite the fact that he could be identified through his moped.
While an officer spoke with him, witnesses pointed out another man as a suspect as he tried to walk past them.
An officer grabbed hold of the man and saw a large knife in his waistband.
He was arrested and taken to hospital before travelling to custody.
“The male fought aggressively with officers trying to escape, resulting in PAVA spray being deployed,” Wandsworth Police said.
“Due to the close proximity, two of the officers were also hit in the crossfire. The suspect continued to try to run away, aggressively fighting the arrest procedure, resulting in an officer being punched.”
By this point a large crowd had gathered. Fearing public and police safety, officers called for backup.
Additional officers arrived and quickly dispersed the crowd of onlookers before assisting at the scene.
The pole-wielding man had “managed to sneak off during the commotion” but was later identified and arrested, police said.
Metropolitan Police said the two men charged, aged 25 and 32, were both Brazilian delivery drivers.
The 25-year-old was charged with possession of an offensive weapon, affray and assault an emergency worker.
The 32-year-old man was charged with affray and possession of an offensive weapon.
The men were remanded in police custody and appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court where they entered not guilty pleas.
A pre-trial hearing date has ben set for May 15.
