Tourists and commuters were left shocked after they witnessed policemen delivering a baby to a homeless woman.
The birth took place near Marble Arch in central London, a main hub for rough sleepers.
The officers were informed by passers-by that a woman was in labour and needed medical assistance.
Police ran to her aid and phoned 999, with ambulance staff giving instructions on how to deliver the baby down the phone.
An eye witness told the Evening Standard: “We could not believe what we were seeing in a tourist spot in London in broad daylight.
“The woman was obviously in distress and the police officers were brilliant at calming her down and making sure she was okay — they are real heroes.”
They added: “It was surreal really. It is just not what you expect to see on your way to the office.”
Met Police issued a statement following the incident reading: “The three officers were on foot patrol when they were flagged down by a member of the public. They were directed to a woman who was in labour.
“The officers delivered the baby, assisted by London Ambulance Service who provided instructions over the phone.
“London Ambulance Service attended the scene and the mother and baby were taken to a central London hospital.”
An ambulance spokesman then said: “We sent two ambulance crews to the scene, and treated one woman. She was taken to University College Hospital as a priority.”
Homelessness is a growing problem in the Marble Arch area, and Westminster City Council has reportedly resorted to going as far as buying tickets home for migrants sleeping rough in central.