Benedict Cumberbatch has been hailed as a “hero” after saving a Deliveroo driver from a gang of four muggers.

The actor was in an Uber with wife, Sophie Hunter, near London’s Baker Street – the fictional home of the character Sherlock Holmes, who Cumberbatch has famously portrayed on screen – when he stopped the car and leapt to the rescue.

Witnesses say the 41-year-old began by shouting “leave him alone” at the attackers before getting involved, dragging the four potential muggers off the victim.

They reportedly tried to punch Cumberbatch, who defended himself, the attackers then fleeing once they realised who was stopping them, having stolen nothing.

Asked about the attack by The Sun, the actor responded: “I did it out of, well, I had to, you know...”

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Cumberbatch’s actions are said to have stopped serious injuries to the cyclist, who had been hit over the head with a wine bottle.

“Benedict was courageous, brave and selfless,” the driver, Manuel Dias, who also helped fend off the attackers, said. “Here was Sherlock Holmes fighting off four attackers just round the corner from Baker Street.”

He continued: “They tried to hit him but he defended himself and pushed them away. He wasn’t injured. Then I think they also re­cognised it was Be­ne­dict and ran away.

“He asked the rider how he was and when he said, ‘I’m OK’ Benedict just hugged him.”