Two kids had to be forcefully separated by staff at the McDonald's store in Eltham after a "vicious" fight, leaving bystanders "petrified."

The two kids, one boy and one girl, both had to be spoken to by police after reportedly fighting inside and outside the Eltham McDonald's around 4:15pm on Wednesday, January 29.

Eltham South Police paid tribute to the "brave McDonald's staff" on Twitter after they separated the children, and said there would be no tolerance for this type of behaviour.

The restaurant on Eltham High Street has witnessed violence before. Back in March 2019 it was forced to closed after youths reportedly "kicked off" three times in one day.

Police were called after a man banned from the store refused to leave, and then later a group of youths were seen "kicking off." 

Eltham Hill School sent out a notice to parents saying they were aware of "a number of disturbances" in McDonald's after school. both on Eltham Hill and Yorkshire Grey roundabout.

The statement said: "We are concerned that girls are making themselves vulnerable if they go to McDonald's after school without their parents and I would advise that students go straight home and do not put themselves at risk of getting caught up in poor behaviour.

"If your daughter has witnessed anything or has any information regarding the disturbances, please ensure she shares the information with us. We are working closely with police and local businesses to ensure our streets are safe for everyone."

People took to social media to complain after the incident, with one mum saying her daughter was left "petrified" after witnessing the violence.

Another called for a petition to be step up urging Eltham McDonald's to put security on the door to protect the staff and public due to the violence.

A spokesperson for McDonalds said it was "completely unnaceptable" to see people behaving in this way."

"As soon as we became aware of this incident, our people immediately called the police.

"We invest in CCTV and door security when necessary and in accordance with police guidance, and given the current anti-social behaviour issues affecting the wider community, we continue to work very closely with the police, local schools and the council to help find resolutions.”

The spokesperson added that this was an issue also affecting other businesses within the community, and therefore they will be attending the Eltham Business Forum next week to discuss potential resolutions.