Two robbers on electric bikes threatened pedestrians with a firearm and stole their watches during a crime spree.
The linked-series of eight robberies and attempted robberies took place in and around central London between Wednesday, 21 July and Friday, 30 July.
Seven of the robberies took place during a short time window on Wednesday, 21 July between 22:30hrs and 23:45hrs in the areas of Westminster, St Paul’s, Waterloo and Kensington and Chelsea.
During each robbery, two black men on electric bikes approached their victim and demanded that they hand over their watch. On several occasions a firearm was produced.
In one incident at 23:26hrs in Addington Street, at the junction with York Road, Lambeth, the victim was struck with a pistol and sustained injuries to his head.
He was taken to hospital for treatment but was not seriously injured.
The eighth robbery took place on Friday, 30 July at about 20:30hrs in Hyde Park when the victim was approached by two suspects on e-bikes.
One of the men brandished a firearm and told the victim to hand over his watch, estimated to be valued at £140,000. The suspects then fled the scene with the watch.
The suspects are described as black men, between the ages of 18 and 25, wearing all black clothing. They were both seen to be riding black electric bikes and had their faces covered.
Detective Constable Tom Waller, the investigating officer from the Met’s Operation Venice Investigations Team, said: “These robberies were absolutely terrifying ordeals for the victims and we are determined to do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.
“The suspects are dangerous individuals, as they have proven by repeatedly brandishing a firearm, and I would appeal to the public to help us get these men off London’s streets.
Robbery timeline
Wednesday, 21 July
1 – 22:55hrs Outside St Paul’s Tube Station
2 – 23:08hrs Fenchurch Street
3 – 23:20hrs Southwark Street at the junction with Blackfriars Road
4 – 23:26hrs Addington Street at the junction with York Road
5 – 23:35hrs Guthrie Street
6 – 23:40hrs Raphael Street
7 – 23:47hrs Queen’s Gate
Friday, 30 July
8 – 20:30hrs Hyde Park
