Bike-jackers pounce at petrol station

A motorcyclist has told of being attacked by three hooded and balaclava-wearing bike-jackers at a petrol station while staff failed to call the police.

Dramatic CCTV images show the rider being dragged off his Yamaha R6 and kicked and punched to the ground by two assailants while the third attempts to start the bike.

The victim, who was wearing his crash helmet, managed to fight off his two attackers and push the third away from his bike.

But in the struggle one of the assailants snatched the keys and alarm fob before the three fled.

Police have advised replacing the bike’s locks, alarm and immobiliser – at a cost of £2365 – to prevent the gang stealing it later.

The 26-year-old victim, who asked not to be named, had just paid for fuel in West Dulwich, south London, when the attack took place at 10pm on April 28.

He said: “I fought off two assailants and managed to get to my feet and push the man attempting to start the bike. He staggered back, off balance, while trying to get what could have been a weapon from his pocket.

“I turned back to the other two to see one dash towards the bike, grab the keys and run. The remaining two then seemed to panic and also ran off.

“When I asked a moment later if the police were coming, the attendant said, ‘No. I thought you were playing.’”

A spokesman for the garage, a Shell franchise, said: “I think it happened quite quickly. Because the bike was still there the member of staff must have thought they were messing about.”

A Met spokesman said: “The victim was paying for petrol and as he returned to his bike, he was approached by three suspects who assaulted him and tried to pull him to the floor. One of the suspects also tried to start the bike.

“After a brief struggle, the three suspects made off with the keys to the bike.”