Actor Brian Blessed claims to have delivered a baby girl in Richmond Park, biting through the umbilical cord himself and licking the child’s face.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4 this morning the 78-year-old star, known for his powerful voice, said the bizarre incident took place in 1963 when he was in Richmond filming television police drama Z-cars.

Blessed said he was running all over the park when he saw a woman in labour under a tree who asked for his help.

The Flash Gordon star said: “Because I had been brought up with babies, coming from a working class background and helping with babies I rushed across to her.”

He added: “And the after birth came out and the clots and I got rid of the clots pressed her belly and got rid of the clots, got the afterbirth out and I bit it loose and I tied it into a knot.

“I just called for help and eventually an ambulance came.

“I was covered in blood, my shirt was covered in blood.

“I was wrapping her, wiping her, going ‘it’s alright darling!’ and I’m licking the baby’s face.”

Richmond Park from above: Brian Blessed is a fan but these videos show why everybody loves London's best

The Midweek show’s presenter, Libby Purves, quipped: “I can think of few less restful things than having Brian Blessed attend my birth in Richmond Park, but there you go.”

Richmond Park

Many of the show's listeners took to Twitter to discuss the curious incident:

@brianblessed delivered a terrified woman's baby in Richmond Park in 1963 and bit thru umbilical cord! Do you know the mum? #journorequest — Will Humphries (@willhumphries_) October 7, 2015

@SimonHoneydew Brian Blessed delivered a baby in Richmond Park and cut the umbilical cord with his teeth. Did he learn that on the YogPod? — Adam Maher (@adam_maher7) October 7, 2015

Brian Blessed delivered a baby in Richmond Park and cut the umbilical cord with his teeth. Internet, prove your worth. #FindtheBlessedbaby

— Hanna Flint (@HannaFlint) October 7, 2015

If you are confused about why an actor would bite through a baby's umbilical cord here is another photo of Mr Blessed to put things in context.

Brian Blessed in panto in Croydon in 2008

Listen to the show here.

Were you there in 1963? Do you know anything more about this incident? Please call the news room on 020 8722 6326.