Hammer thugs attack and rob victim yards from Billionaires’ Row

A BUSINESSMAN was attacked by thugs armed with hammers during a robbery near “Billionaires’ Row” in north London.

The victim, in his early sixties, was knocked unconscious during the attack in Winnington Road, just yards from The Bishops Avenue where residents include media mogul Richard Desmond, steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal and numerous foreign oligarchs.

The victim is reported to have been set upon by two thugs during a “drive-by” robbery as he was unloading his car. They fled with an expensive watch.

Initially it was feared the businessman had been stabbed. He was rushed to hospital, where he was found to have a broken cheekbone.

Residents today spoke of their concerns about the attack, which happened on Wednesday lunchtime. One said: “A neighbour was attacked in his driveway and hit over the head,

it’s very scary. We are all watching our backs. They are a lovely family and we just hope the man gets over his injuries quickly. We heard he had been knocked unconscious, it was so vicious.”

Another added: “He was knocked out, then came to but looked really groggy.

“It must have been a savage attack. He was just unloading his car when he was jumped.”

The attack took place outside a detached house worth more than £7 million. Pop star Justin Bieber rented a mansion in the area, near Hampstead Heath, during his recent UK tour.

A Met spokesman said police had been called to “reports of a robbery and stabbing” just before 1pm on Wednesday.

He said inquiries were “ongoing” to establish the full circumstances of the attack, and that no one had been arrested. @benm_b