Peter Parks / AFP - Getty Images People fall in a stampede to see football superstar David Beckham at Tonji University in Shanghai on June 20, 2013.

Chinese fans of David Beckham stormed a security cordon as the soccer superstar visited a university in Shanghai on Thursday. Seven people were injured in the ensuing stampede, including five security personnel, The Associated Press reported.

Fans push past security to catch a glimpse of soccer star David Beckham who is visiting China in his new role as a "football ambassador." The stampede left at least seven people injured. TODAY.com's Dara Brown reports.

Agence France-Presse photographer Peter Parks said that the crowd pushed past a flimsy police line as soon as Beckham's car arrived. In a blog post, he described the chaotic scenes as people fell to the ground and were trampled by the crowd.

"I saw a policewoman who obviously took the full weight of the crowd and was lying face down", Parks wrote. "When they picked her up there was a pool of blood coming out of her nose and mouth."

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder Beckham, who retired from the game in May, has undertaken a new role as a Chinese "football ambassador". He said on Thursday that he hoped to inspire local children back to the sport, Reuters reported.

Previously on PhotoBlog:

Bust it like Beckham: Soccer star takes a spill

Beckham dons suit and tie on the field for new 'ambassador' role

Peter Parks / AFP - Getty Images A huge crowd had gathered to see Beckham.

Peter Parks / AFP - Getty Images A policewoman lies injured after being crushed.

AP A security officer and others attempt to carry an injured policewoman away.

Lintao Zhang / Getty Images David Beckham is surrounded by fans as he visits Tongji University.