Busker hit with own ukelele in Adelaide

An American busker dressed as a pencil has been assaulted with his own ukelele by a man in Adelaide's Rundle Mall.

The busker, who was dressed in a full-length orange pencil costume, was attacked in front of bystanders while performing on Wednesday afternoon.

Videos of the incident posted online show the alleged attacker picking up the ukelele from the floor then swinging the instrument at the busker numerous times, hitting him in the head.

Three members of the public quickly rush to the busker's defence, pinning the alleged attacker down.

Police said the 29-year-old man was arrested and is expected to be charged with theft, property damage, assault causing harm and drug offences.