Leathermarket Gardens shut for police search after 'altercation'

A Southwark Police spokesman said that officers were carrying out patrols around Leathermarket Gardens on Sunday night after reports of a number of burglaries in the area.

"During their patrols a suspicious man was immediately identified by one of the officers and an attempt was made to stop him on Monday 11 August at approximately 00:20 hours," said the spokesman.

"Another man was also identified and the two men made off from police.

"Officers requested further units to the area. A containment of the area was put in place and both suspects were later detained by police.

"The two men in their twenties were both arrested for assault with intent to rob.

"They are currently in custody at a South London police station."

The spokesman denied local rumours that a police officer had been stabbed or injured but confirmed that there had been an "altercation" before the two men were arrested.

On Monday afternoon police officers with sticks continued to search the undergrowth in Leathermarket Gardens for evidence and the park remained shut to visitors.