A POLICE community support officer has been praised for his bravery after he was assaulted during last week’s riots.

Bamidele Bolarinwa from the Lewisham Safer Transport Team was in Lewisham High Street near the Natwest bank, trying to stop a group from causing criminal damage, when he was attacked on August 8.

Police say he came under “sustained attack” by 19-year-old Marvin Tohou, of no fixed abode, receiving a kick to his head, arm and leg.

But PCSO Bolarinwa was still able to chase his assailant down and detain him until another officer, also injured in the violence, was able to help.

Inspector Dave Blundell of Lewisham Police Safer Transport Team called the attack “disgraceful”.

He said: "These particular officers, as well as many others, demonstrated courage and bravery in the face of extreme aggression, to successfully protect homes and businesses in Lewisham.

Tohou pleaded guilty on August 10 at Greenwich Magistrates Court to assault on police, and was sentenced to 18 weeks in a young offenders institute.