I fought moped muggers to protect my wife, victim of machete thugs says

A company director today told how he desperately tried to fight off machete-wielding moped robbers who tore his £25,000 Rolex from his wrist in the latest “horrifying” street attack.

Andrew Silver, 64, grappled with the thug who jumped him as he was window shopping in St John’s Wood High Street.

The construction firm director was with his wife when two men on a scooter ambushed him.

One barked: “Give me your watch,” and Mr Silver was threatened with the machete.

He said: “I didn’t have time to think ... I grabbed him. My first instinct was I needed to protect my wife. It wasn’t about the watch but stopping my family being hurt.”

He was left lying on his back as the masked robber ripped the Rolex Daytona from his arm at about 7.45pm on September 7. “We were on the ground. He had the knife, it was huge, I would say the blade was 10 to 12 inches long.

“My arm was cut and I suffered a black eye and damage to my leg,” said Mr Silver. “In taking him on I was trying to buy time so my wife would be safe. I think they went for me because I had short sleeves and they saw the watch. We were about to meet our children for dinner but were early so were looking in the window.” He was treated in hospital and discharged that day.

He added: “We have to stand up to these people. I know so many people who have been robbed and the police just cannot cope even though they try their best. We need more of a deterrent on the streets.”

Today detectives released phone footage of the incident as they appealed for witnesses to come forward. Detective Constable James Drummond, of Westminster CID, said: “This was a horrifying ordeal for a man out enjoying a summer evening. He was confronted by masked men brandishing a large knife and they have forcibly removed his watch.

“They appear to have singled him out and we need to catch them before they target anyone else. The street was busy with traffic and pedestrians and I would appeal to anyone who filmed this incident or took photos to contact police.”

Gary Vanger, who has two stores in the high street, said: “It’s shocking but this area has been targeted so many times. My shop was smashed into and clothing stolen on Christmas Eve.”

Anyone with information about the attack on Mr Silver should call 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.