Armed bikers raise stakes with knifepoint robbery of £24,000 watch in Hampstead

Armed motorbike raiders linked to a spate of terrifying robberies have struck again – this time pulling a knife on their unsuspecting victim.

A 26-year-old man was robbed in Kidderpore Avenue, Hampstead, on Sunday by four men on two mopeds, who drew a blade after slamming a hammer into the rear window of his car.

The victim handed over his £24,000 Audemars Piguet gold watch and the bikers made off towards Bracknell Gardens.

The gang members had tailed the 26-year-old as he drove his 4x4 into a communal garage. They sped into the parking area as the security gate was closing.

One of them slammed the hammer into his window, cracking the glass, as he was reversing into a parking space. The victim got out of his car to see what was happening and was then confronted with the knife.

The incident, at about 9.15pm on Sunday, is the latest in a series of at least seven linked robberies by hammer-wielding thugs riding stolen mopeds in Hampstead, the Suburb and surrounding areas. The gang targets wealthy individuals driving expensive cars.

It is the first time the robbers have reportedly used a knife to threaten their victim.

All four suspects were men of medium build, wearing grey overalls and dark helmets.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

Anyone with information should call Det Con Jamie Witts of Camden Police on 101, quoting 2313294/14, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.