Benedict Cumberbatch fights off gang of four muggers attacking Deliveroo rider in London

The incident took place just around the corner from the fictional detective's home. Photo / Getty Images

Benedict Cumberbatch channelled his inner Sherlock Holmes as he saved a cyclist who was being attacked, it is reported.

The Hollywood star - who plays the quintessential detective in the hit BBC series - is said to have leaped to the rescue of a Deliveroo rider who was being beaten up by a group of four, it emerged on Friday night, reports Daily Mail.

The Sun reports Cumberbatch was in an Uber vehicle on Marylebone High Street in central London with his wife, Sophie Hunter, when they saw the cyclist being hit over the head with a bottle.

The driver of the car, Manuel Dias, told the newspaper: "Benedict was courageous, brave and selfless. If he hadn't stepped in the cyclist could have been seriously injured.

"Here was Sherlock Holmes fighting off four attackers just round the corner from Baker Street.

"He stood there instructing them in the street, shouting, 'Leave him alone'."

The driver said he grabbed one of the men and Benedict got hold of another and added the star knew exactly what to do.

The attackers reportedly tried to punch the actor, who managed to push them away. The driver says they fled when they recognised who he was.

After the frenzy was over, Benedict asked the cyclist how he was and when he replied that he was okay, the actor embraced him

According to The Sun, the actor said: "I did it out of, well, I had to, you know?"