Labour MP Chris Webb experienced a shocking robbery in London when a gang on bikes, wearing balaclavas, stole his mobile phone as he walked home from Parliament. The incident occurred around 22:00 GMT on Monday along Lambeth Walk, as the MP for Blackpool South returned to his flat. Despite his stature as a “big guy” standing 6ft 2in, Webb was taken by surprise by the stealthy approach of the gang.
Webb recounted the ordeal on X, explaining that he was conversing with his wife on the phone just before the attack. He humorously mentioned he might jinx himself for being on the phone in an unfamiliar and poorly lit area. Shortly after, while reaching for his phone to call his wife back, the attackers made their move.
“They grabbed my arm to stop me and then off they went,” Webb stated. The assailants quickly fled the scene on their bicycles. Despite the suddenness of the event, Webb managed to lock his iPhone using his smartwatch and assisted the police in tracking the phone to a location where a suspect was apprehended with a bag of phones. Unfortunately, Webb’s phone was not among those recovered.
Webb expressed surprise at the incident, noting his normally keen awareness and reflexes, honed from boxing training, did not alert him to the impending threat. He initially thought to chase the thieves but decided to focus on locking and tracking his phone and contacting the police.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers responded to the scene at 21:55 GMT. “The victim was approached by a group of men who stole his phone from his hand. Inquiries remain ongoing,” the police stated. Webb clarified that he doesn’t believe the attack was targeted due to his role as an MP, attributing the theft to opportunistic crime.
