Police were called to Bedford Road around 9pm on Tuesday
(Picture: Google Maps)Five teenagers have been arrested an hour after assaulting a man and stealing his phone in a “terrifying” attack near Tottenham Court Road.
The males surrounded another teenager who was walking down Bedford Avenue around 9pm on Tuesday.
They pushed him to the ground before assaulting him, causing minor injuries, and running off with his mobile, Metropolitan Police said.
Officers from the Violent Crime Taskforce (VCTF) team were on patrol in the Tottenham Court Road area when they were made aware of the robbery.
Enquries found that group of five males who matched the description of the suspects involved in the robbery were in Waltham Forest.
About an hour after the robbery took place, officers tracked down the group of five males and carried out a search, the Met said.
The stolen mobile phone was found on one of the suspects.
All five teenagers – aged between 17 and 18 – were arrested on suspicion of robbery and remain in custody. Enquiries continue.
Detective Sergeant Ross Smith, from the Violent Crime Taskforce, said: “This was a terrifying experience for the victim who has sadly received some minor injuries during the incident. Robbery is a violent crime that often leaves a lasting impact on the victims.
“Tackling violence on our streets is a priority for the Met and these arrests show our commitment to tackling robbery and keeping London safe.
“It is important that victims and witnesses contact the police as soon as a robbery has occurred. The first hour after a robbery or the ‘golden hour’ period is critical to helping us catch suspects and taking violent offenders off the streets.”
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 7193/14FEB.
To remain anonymous contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111. If you are a victim of robbery or have witnessed a robbery take place, dial 999 immediately.
