FIND THESE SCUMBAGS
BRITAIN’S Got Talent judge Amanda Holden launched an online appeal after moped muggers threatened a mother and child near her home.
Posting shocking CCTV footage of the attempted robbery on Twitter, Amanda yesterday condemned the ruthless thieves as “scumbags”.
The presenter praised hero scaffolders who jumped from their lorry to chase the motorbike thugs away in Petersham, south-west London.
But she also told of her exasperation at the moped madness which seems to be happening “everywhere”.
Video footage from Thursday’s incident shows four men on two motorbikes stop in a narrow road before ambushing a woman strolling in the sunshine with her child. The thugs demanded her jewellery and hinted they had a weapon before trying to grab the terrified toddler. A nearby witness heard the mother scream: “My baby!”
She backed away and just missed a passing vehicle before calling for help. A group of scaffolders chased the robbers away. They fled empty-handed. ITV star Amanda, who lives in the area with her two daughters, wrote on Twitter: “So this I know is happening everywhere but this was Sandpits Road TW10 - 21st June 12.35 broad daylight.
“Mother and child attacked. And some heroes in a lorry chased them off. Call 101 or 999 if you know these scumbags.”
Her message was picked up by Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan who replied: “Disgusting. Let’s catch these snivelling cowards now – call the police if you know who they are.”
It is thought the muggers had carefully chosen the location as it is a no-through road for cars, so would make their getaway easier.
Ham and Petersham Police said the incident was “currently being investigated”.
Moped muggings have swept London in recent years, with the number of attacks soaring from 827 in 2012 to more than 23,000 in 2017.
A recent high-profile victim was comedian Michael McIntyre, who was robbed of his £15,000 Rolex earlier this month by thugs in Hampstead, north-west London.
Moped muggers also struck twice within 45 minutes in London during England’s 6-1 World Cup win on Sunday.
The “brazen” thugs pulled a gun on their victims and stole a watch and jewellery during the attacks in Lewisham and Beckenham, southeast London.
Detective Sergeant Miles Fuller said: “Although our investigation is in its early stages, the two incidents are being treated as linked.
“I would advise members of the public to be vigilant of thieves who may be on the lookout to steal items that are easy to grab.”