Car parking
A Haringey traffic warden was struck with a plank of wood after issuing a driver a ticket Getty

A London traffic warden was left fighting for his life after being battered with a plank of wood by a man he had just issued with a parking ticket.

The Haringey council worker was smashed on the head with the piece of wood after becoming embroiled in a dispute with a man over the ticket.

Eyewitnesses said the incident sparked a daylight brawl along a busy road in Bounds Green, reported the Evening Standard, before the warden slumped towards the ground and was rushed to hospital, where his condition was today described as "serious but stable".

Lettings consultant Andrea Constantinides, who worked nearby, ran to the man's assistance before administering first aid.

"I ran over and tried to put him in the best position. He was breathing but not responding," she told the paper.

"There was not much blood but it was obvious that he had been seriously injured. I really thought the worst."

Police later arrested a 29-year-old man on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and he has been questioned by officers at a north London police station.

Haringey council said it was providing support to the officer and his family, adding its staff "should be safe to do their job without fear of violence".

London