Security guards have been praised for stepping in to rescue a disabled charity volunteer who was being attacked by a gang of teenage boys.

Brendan Chivasa, from Harrow, was walking through St George’s Shopping Centre in the town centre with friend Hannah Bingham and fellow Mencap volunteer on February 19.

The 24-year-old was suddenly surrounded by a group of boys, who began to verbally abuse him, calling him names.

He has cerebral palsy and learning difficulties, and uses a wheelchair, and felt unable to defend himself.

But Hannah intervened straight away, determined to stick up for her friend to ward the bullies off.

St George’s Centre security staff were alerted to what was happening by a member of the public and acted with “speed and sympathy” to break the fight up.

They then continued to support Brendan for days after the incident including accompanying him to the police station to give information.

Brendan, who is a Mencap spokesperson, said: “The group of boys surrounded my wheelchair and were mocking me and calling me names. 

“If people want to call me dumb, I don’t care, they can’t stop me doing what I want to do. 

“I want to thank the St. George’s security guards for supporting me and for understanding me without them I don’t know what I would have done.

“I like to get out and about and be independent and express my freedom.  I want to thank the St. George’s security guards for supporting me and for understanding me.

“I want to tell them that without them I don’t know what I would have done, they are always there for me.”

Campaigns manager at Harrow Mencap, Sarah Scott praised the shopping centre security for ‘going the extra mile’ to assist Brendan.

Darren Harman, St George’s Centre manager, said: “We are proud of our team for demonstrating the principles that we look for in all of St. George’s employees.”

No arrests have been made.