Abuse against public servants is “unacceptably high” according to the council after a fracas was reported involving a parking attendant and a “paparazzi” who filmed him allegedly acting aggressively.

Jani Jance, a freelance photographer from Putney, complained to Merton Council about the behaviour of a parking attendant in Wimbledon Village, who he claimed was abusive towards him during an altercation on January 25.

In a video, taken on Mr Jance’s mobile phone, the parking attendant appears to lunge towards him while shouting “Paparazzi get out of my face”.

A council spokeswoman said all front-line staff are given conflict management training and were in discussions about what extra training could be given to prevent future incidents of this type.

Merton Council’s deputy leader, Councillor Mark Betteridge, said: “Incidents involving violence, aggression and verbal abuse against council staff remain unacceptably high.

"We will not tolerate any abuse on our staff and will work with the police to prosecute anyone who inflicts harm on our officers.

“We have looked into this matter closely, including taking witness statements and we will shortly be meeting with police to determine what further action should be taken.”