Labour MP Chris Webb mugged by group on way back to London flat

A Labour MP has been mugged on the way back to his London flat.

Chris Webb said the attack happened on Monday evening as he walked home from Parliament.

The 38-year-old, who represents Blackpool South, said he was "attacked and mugged by a group of individuals" who were on bikes and wearing balaclavas.

"Luckily, I have no injuries and I am ok. Unfortunately, they just took my phone, so I'm without one for the foreseeable future," he added.

"I want to thank the Met Police for their swift response and support. The officers who assisted me went above and beyond. They are a remarkable credit to the force."

He said he could still be reached via his office.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed its officers were called at 9.55pm on Monday to reports of a robbery on Lambeth Walk, south London.

"The victim was approached by a group of men who stole his phone from his hand," a spokesperson said.

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Mr Webb, who was first elected in a by-election in May, told the PA news agency he didn't think he was targeted as an MP as "they would not have known [he] was a member of parliament".

"I'm a big guy. I'm six foot two... I'm not an easy target, but obviously these were confident enough to kind of grab me and stop me so they could get away," he said.

"I'm normally pretty aware of my surroundings, I've got pretty decent reflexes and things like that from training and boxing training."

Mr Webb locked his iPhone using his smartwatch and when the police came, he helped them to track the phone to a location where an individual was arrested

However, Mr Webb's phone has not been recovered.

Police enquiries are ongoing and they are appealing to anyone who has information about the alleged mugging to get in touch.

(c) Sky News 2024: Labour MP Chris Webb mugged by group on way back to London flat