A Tory councillor has condemned the “mob mentality and aggression” shown towards Sadiq Khan after a video of the Mayor of London being harassed and heckled was shared online.

Epping Forest District councillor Holly Whitbread labelled the hecklers’ behaviour towards the Labour mayor as “unacceptable”.

The video, shared widely on social media, shows Mr Khan being aggressively heckled as he walked into City Hall during a protest by London black-cab drivers.

Khan can be seen walking away as he is followed by a group shouting abuse, calling him a “hypocrite” and “the destroyer of London”.

Epping Forest Guardian:

The clip has been views more than 1.5 million times. Photo: Twitter

In a post on Twitter, Cllr Whitbread – the district’s portfolio holder for housing and community services – said: “I disagree with Sadiq Khan’s politics and most of the decisions he has taken as Mayor of London. However this mob mentality and aggression shown by some towards politicians is unacceptable.”

Harlow Conservative councillor Mike Hardware voiced his agreement with Cllr Whitbread, tweeting: “Disgraceful behaviour.”

The clip – now viewed more than 1.5 million times – was first posted to Twitter by Redbridge councillor Khayer Chowdhury.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Cllr Holly Whitbread said the way the Mayor of London was treated was "unacceptable".

He said: “Listen to their aggression. Listen to their hate. If you ever wonder why the Mayor of London needs 24-hour police protection. Without the protection officers there with him, he would have gotten attacked in this instance.”

The clip, which was filmed on Thursday, was taken shortly after protesters had marched across London Bridge holding banners criticising road closures and the pedestrianisation of parts of London.

The leader of the Greater London Authority (GLA) Conservatives however downplayed the severity of the incident.

Susan Hall, also a Harrow councillor, said: “Black cab drivers are suffering even more from gridlocked traffic because of some of the ludicrous bicycle lanes put in which you entirely support. I accept the language used was unfortunate however the Mayor has protection officers-unfortunately also very thin skin!”

A Metropolitan police spokesperson said: “We are aware of a video circulating on social media, which appears to show the mayor of London being verbally abused on Thursday, September 10 outside City Hall.

“We have received an allegation of crime, which is being investigated, and inquiries to assess the circumstances of the incident are ongoing.”

Epping Forest Guardian:

For more breaking news, local headlines and features, ‘like’ our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter account: @EppingFGuardian

Follow us to keep up-to-date with news in Epping Forest.