Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Benedict Cumberbatch says he's 'no hero' after saving Deliveroo cyclist from muggers

The doctor Strange star jumped out of an Uber to save the rider from attackers

Jacob Stolworthy
Wednesday 06 June 2018 08:32 BST
Comments
Benedict Cumberbatch fended off four muggers attacking a Deliveroo cyclist

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Benedict Cumberbatch has spoken out about the incident in which he saved a Deliveroo rider from being mugged.

The Doctor Strange star was branded a real-life hero after jumping out of the back of an Uber to scare off four potential muggers from attacking the driver in central London. He was travelling with his wife Sophie Hunter at the time.

Speaking at the Hay Literary Festival, the actor insisted he is “no hero,” telling The Sun: “There are real-life heroes out there and I’m not one of them.”

The driver of Cumberbatch's Uber, Manual Dias, told how he the “brave and selfless' actor fought the attackers off near London's Baker Street - the fictional home of the character Sherlock Holmes he famously portrayed in BBC series Sherlock.

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

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

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.”

The police have since confirmed they were called to the scene at Marylebone High Street, just half a mile from Baker Street, in November.

Cumberbatch can currently be seen in Sky Atlantic TV series Patrick Melrose.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in