News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A security guard pummelled a homeless man at the Savoy Hotel and jumped on the defenceless victim's head in shocking CCTV video.

The smartly-dressed bouncer unleashed a horrific attack that lasted almost 20 seconds as colleagues and other witnesses looked on at the front doors of the five-star, £2,500-a-night hotel.

Footage shows the bald man smashing the rough sleeper in the face before throwing him to the floor and hitting him with a flurry of punches as he lay curled in the foetal position on the floor.

The man isn't fighting back and appears dazed or even unconscious as the suited guard kicks him in the face, seemingly taunts him and stamps on his head with both feet.

The hotel claims it wasn't aware of the attack - even though it happened in front of staff and was captured on camera - and says the guard was employed by a security contractor.

Do you know the security guard or the man who was attacked? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk.

In the video, a doorman - wearing a top hat and tails - approaches with his arm extended in a plea for the guard to stop the brutal attack following the first kick.

But the doorman recoils and turns away in horror as the guard holds onto a planter with both hands and jumps on top of the prone victim's head.

The guard then attempts to drag the victim to his feet as colleagues and a witness - a man walking two dogs - approach and urge him to stop outside the entrance which is covered in Christmas decorations.

Expensive cars are parked nearby.

The guard gestures with his arms and then stands over the man - wearing a winter jacket with florescent yellow stripes, jeans and a woolly hat - as the clip ends.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

The brutal scene unfolded in front of the Fairmont-owned luxury hotel's front doors on December 30 last year, MailOnline reported.

But the video only emerged on Friday, eight months after the attack.

The reason for the attack was unclear.

A spokeswoman for the Savoy claimed the hotel wasn't previously aware of the incident.

The attack was witnessed by several members of staff and possibly guests.

The hotel spokeswoman told MailOnline that the attacker was not a Savoy staff member.

She said the man was employed by a security contractor.

The Grade II-listed Savoy is favoured by the rich and famous, with lavish suites costing more than £2,500 a night over the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

Mirror Online has contacted Met Police for comment.

The attack was condemned by viewers on social media, including some who called for a boycott of the hotel, and charities which help the homeless.

Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Crisis, told Mirror Online: “This is an appalling act of violence and we hope to see an urgent police investigation carried out.

"Everybody has the right to be treated with dignity regardless of their situation or who they are.

"Life on the streets is already a struggle for survival, and yet our research has shown that rough sleepers are 17 times more likely to be a victim of violence compared to the general public.

“It’s shameful that the people in our society who most need support are instead left in situations where they can be subjected to such cruelty. We can and must do better than this.”

Paul Noblet, a spokesman for the youth homelessness charity Centrepoint, added: “This disgusting incident is completely unacceptable.

"Attacks against homeless people must be taken as seriously as any other violent attack I hope the individual is swiftly brought to account for his actions.

“Homelessness takes a huge toll, with those sleeping rough particularly vulnerable to physical and verbal abuse.

"This sadly all too common incident underlines just how dangerous life on the streets can be.

"Centrepoint’s own research found that 47 per cent of young rough sleepers surveyed had been victims of assault or physical abuse while sleeping out.”

The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: "Police were called at approximately 21:01hrs on Sunday, 30 December 2018 to the Savoy hotel on the Strand following reports of a man being assaulted.

"Officers attended. All parties were spoken to. The victim, a male, did not wish to make any allegations and declined media treatment and left the area.

"Police are now aware of CCTV footage which shows a male being viciously assaulted outside the Savoy hotel apparently by a member of security staff. The footage appeared on social media on 5 September, 2019. Enquiries into this incident have now been reopened and police are working to identify the culprit, bring him in for questioning and speak to the victim.

"We are working closely with the Savoy hotel as part of our ongoing enquiries."

Anyone with information concerning this incident is requested to call police via 101 quoting CAD 6164/30Dec18 or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.