Cyclists attacked by axe-wielding bike thieves

"We'd rather attend to find that everything is in order, than miss an opportunity to catch a potential criminal."

"I didn't know what it was. And they were shouting, 'stop, stop' swearing, saying stop. I sort of jammed on the brakes, almost fell into the ditch. I just managed to stay upright. They continued hitting me on my shoulder. I saw he was hitting me with the reverse of a sort of hand axe. He then turned the axe round and was waving it at my face, sort of waving it across in front of me saying, 'give me the bike, give me the bike, get off your bike, give me the bike'."

"are not about 'theft' or 'expensive bikes' - they are violent attacks with massive victim and community impact"

Cyclists in north London and Hertfordshire have been targeted by violent gangs on motorbikes and had their bikes stolen. A number of attacks have taken place, including one incident caught on dashcam showing members of the group wielding an axe. One cyclist near Borehamwood reported being repeatedly hit on his shoulder with the reverse of a hand axe and threatened to give up his bike. Victims described robbers aged about 16 to 18 and reported lasting fear of riding alone. Hertfordshire Police advised cyclists who think they are being followed, particularly in remote areas, to call 999. A force spokesperson said officers would rather attend and find everything in order than miss catching a potential criminal.

Read at www.bbc.com