Boris Johnson to the rescue as Mayor chases off 'oiks'

London's Mayor Boris Johnson went to the rescue of a woman being attacked by a group of young girls, chasing them down the street even though one had brandished an iron bar, it has been revealed.

Documentary film-maker and climate change activist Franny Armstrong was walking home in Camden, North London last night when she was surrounded by a group of hoodie-wearing young girls.

Ms Armstrong was pushed against a car by the girls, one of whom had an iron bar. The victim called out for help to a passing cyclist, who turned out to be the Mayor.

He stopped and chased the girls down the street, calling them "oiks", according to Ms Armstrong, who praised the Mayor's intervention. Mr Johnson returned and insisted on walking her home.

Ms Armstrong directed the film Age of Stupid and is the founder of the 10:10 campaign, which aims to cut 10% of carbon emissions in 2010 and has attracted support from leading firms and personalities.

"I was texting on my phone so didn't notice the girls until they pushed me against the car, quite hard," Ms Armstrong said.

"I noticed that one had an iron bar in her hand - it was very frightening. At that moment a man cycled past and I called out for help.

"He said to the girls: 'What do you think you are doing?' He picked up the iron bar, called after the girls and cycled after them. He returned a few minutes later and walked me home. He was my knight on a shining bicycle."

Ms Armstrong admitted she did not agree with Mr Johnson's politics, and had voted for his rival Ken Livingstone in the Mayoral elections, but added: "If you find yourself down a dark alleyway and in trouble I think Boris would be of more use than Ken."