Benedict Cumberbatch says he's 'no hero' after saving Deliveroo cyclist from muggers

The doctor Strange star jumped out of an Uber to save the rider from attackers

Benedict Cumberbatch has spoken out about the incident in which he saved a Deliveroo rider from being mugged.

The Doctor Strange star was branded a real-life hero after jumping out of the back of an Uber to scare off four potential muggers from attacking the driver in central London. He was travelling with his wife Sophie Hunter at the time.

Speaking at the Hay Literary Festival, the actor insisted he is “no hero,” telling The Sun: “There are real-life heroes out there and I’m not one of them.”

The driver of Cumberbatch's Uber, Manual Dias, told how he the “brave and selfless' actor fought the attackers off near London's Baker Street - the fictional home of the character Sherlock Holmes he famously portrayed in BBC series Sherlock.

Witnesses say the 41-year-old began by shouting “leave him alone” before getting involved, dragging the four potential muggers off the victim.

Cumberbatch’s actions are said to have stopped serious injuries to the cyclist, who had been hit over the head with a wine bottle.

He continued: “They tried to hit him but he defended himself and pushed them away. He wasn’t injured. Then I think they also re­cognised it was Be­ne­dict and ran away.

“He asked the rider how he was and when he said, ‘I’m OK’ Benedict just hugged him.”

The police have since confirmed they were called to the scene at Marylebone High Street, just half a mile from Baker Street, in November.

Cumberbatch can currently be seen in Sky Atlantic TV series Patrick Melrose.