Police have appealed for witnesses to a 'terrifying' gang fight in the middle of Kingston yesterday – Thursday – evening.

Families scattered and children were distressed as groups fought outside the American Candy Shop opposite to Bentalls department store.

One witness said: "Two rival gangs who were masked up kicked off … At one point one of them was thrown at full force at a shop window. It was very frightening.

"It was in full view of lots shoppers doing late night shopping with everyone gasping in shock.

"The culprits were all wearing identical masks but from height and build I would say they were around 20 years old.

"It was extremely violent and so odd for it to happen in such a busy area with so many people and security cameras to witness it."

She said it only stopped when a number of passers-by stepped in.

"Some very brave citizens charged at them to disperse them… and in doing so protected lots of innocent people who were nearby. It restores my faith in human nature," she said.

The police were called, however the gangs had dispersed by the time officers arrived.

A Met police spokesman said: "Police were called to Wood Street, Kingston at around 18:12 on the 24th March 2021 in relation to a report several men chasing another in the street.

"Officers attended, however no trace of the incident was found.

"If you have information which might assist police you can report it on our website.

Or to crimestoppers online or on 0800 555 111."