In the wake of an alarming increase in unprovoked attacks (up 11 per cent one every 30 seconds), Nick Ross, steps onto the mean streets of modern Britain to find out how passers-by respond, or should respond, to violent street crime. What are our social and civic responsibilities in these situations?

Nick Ross doesn't walk on by. To the alarm of his family, he tends to get stuck in; once actually making a citizen's arrest. His attitude would please a new charity group, Witness Confident, which is worried that witnesses of violent attacks are failing to intervene, or even call for help.

MUSIC & FACTUAL

Broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2010