The scuffle occurred in Washington Square Park

Robin Hoods in action

The pranksters - from Sheffield in England - said they hoped their stunt would encourage New Yorkers to be more polite and "give something back".

However, the plan reportedly back-fired after passers-by pushed and pulled at each other to grab the free cash.

Once the notes had been dispensed the trio made their getaway in a taxi.

The three men, who called themselves the Modern Day Robin Hoods, entered Manhattan's Washington Square Park with a megaphone shouting: "What you are about to see will amaze you. We are mad Englishmen."

I got a nasty little scrape and my butt hurts from getting pushed down - I had to fight for my free money

Sally Caraballo

Daniel, a 6ft 6ins man dressed as Little John, who refused to give his surname, told the New York Post newspaper: "There's a real lack of courtesy in the world.

"The world would be a better place if people were more courteous, but the English are very sceptical, so we decided to come to New York."

Oliver, the group's founder, said: "I want people to have a little more common courtesy towards their fellow human beings. We hope this encourages people to give something back."

The men then threw the $4,000, made up of $1, $5,$10 and $20 notes, into the air, sparking the frenzy. Even children were reportedly stepped on, although no-one was seriously hurt.

"There were people pushing and people shoving," Sally Caraballo told the newspaper.

"I got a nasty little scrape and my butt hurts from getting pushed down. I had to fight for my free money. But I got it in the end," said the 38-year-old.