To the rescue - Boris is 'knight on a shining bicycle'

Boris Johnson is not only Mayor of London but he likes to take an active role in helping keep the streets safe too.

The unlikely hero came to the aid of a woman being attacked by a group of girls this week, chasing after them despite one of the members brandishing an iron bar.

Film-maker Franny Armstrong was walking home in Camden when she found herself surrounded.

Calling out for help to a passing cyclist, she was surprised to see it was none other than the Mayor.

Boris, 45, wasted no time in chasing the group down the street calling them "oiks" before returning and insisting on walking Frannie to her door.

"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," recalled Frannie.

"He returned a few minutes later and walked me home. He was my knight on a shining bicycle."

Photo: © Rex