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Updated: Violent assault on London cyclist captured on film

Police investigation has stalled, can you identify attacker?

The Metropolitan Police’s willingness to investigate clear wrongdoing has been severely criticised in light of the News of the World phone-hacking scandal.

Of course it would be good to think that was a one-off aberration under a previous Met. regime and one that had something to do with an unwillingness by detectives at the time to expose a culture of receiving press backhanders amongst their colleagues.

Things are different now. But take a look at this video and read the account on our forum posted by the road.cc regular who was the victim of the assault, about both incident and the police’s attempt to bring the attacker to book.

Although the registered keeper of the car was easily traceable it seems that on the day in question the vehicle was left unlocked with the keys in the ignition, only for it to be taken without consent but somehow later returned to the owner by person or persons unknown.

Could happen I suppose, after all there are some very considerate, violently thuggish car thieves out there who sometimes repent and, racked with guilt, simply return the stolen vehicle to its rightful owner completely undamaged.

In which the case the registered keeper will no doubt be keen to help track down the person filmed in the assault in order to thank them for seeing the error of their ways, at least in terms of the return of the car, if not the attack on a cyclist who was hardly in a position to defend himself.

What we can say about the assailant is that he looks about 30, medium height and build, possibly married judging by the ring on his left hand, bit temperamental, fancies himself as a hard man (with his mates in tow of course), punches like a girl.

Over to you tweeters, bloggers and off-duty coppers.

UPDATE: The Metropolitan Police tell us that this case remains the subject of an on-going investigation by  detectives from Bexley CID. We will, of course, bring you news of any further developments as and when they occur.

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81 comments

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Bobby Lightcycles | 12 years ago
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It should also be added that the best thing a cyclist can do to prevent such attacks is not to provoke drivers in the first place. If you hate cars then you're entitled to your opinion, but that doesn't mean you have to go round trying to make driving more difficult for everyone on the assumption that all car journeys are somehow "illegitimate".

If the cyclist concerned is a road.cc regular then let's face it, it's pretty likely that he has an anti-car point of view.

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SimpleSimon | 12 years ago
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OK guys - the cyclist who was hit did not say anything to the assailants and did not make any hand signal gestures to them either. The car had cut up another rider and had stopped to give a lot of extrordinary verbal abuse. Then they were driving off again, having threatened to run me over, and clipped me with a wing mirror. They stopped and you saw the result.

Anyway, I am off to Paris on a 24 hour charity ride tonight so if anyone wants to sponsor me - http://www.bmycharity.com/L2P24 - go for it!

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SimpleSimon | 12 years ago
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Why should I, as a road.cc regular, have an anti-car point of view? I drive a car and have done so for 30+ years. I also ride a bicycle.
I like Top Gear, so should that make me be anti bike?
I am a regular person who likes to ride his bike. I am pretty careful but I tend not to be too happy when car drivers are not careful around me. The VAST majority of motor vehicle drivers are careful and considerate. The same can be said about cyclists. There are always a few who give the others a bad name, in every walk of life - car drivers, cyclists, policemen, chefs ...

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iggy pete | 12 years ago
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Really brave, those guys in the car - i wonder how brave they would be if they weren't mob handed - the real losers in this are plod - if they can't get a prosecution from this then there is no hope that they will ever get to the bottom of the phone hacking affair
- very sad - hope the rider is ok

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TiNuts | 12 years ago
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I'd attempt to get it broadcast on Crimewatch.
The ludicrous behaviour of those members of (what passes as) our Police force is not so surprising as it falls in line with the current appalling attitude of a significant number of UK motorists towards cyclists. Nevertheless, given the officers obvious failure to do anything remotely approaching an acceptable job I'd report them to the Professional Standards department of the police force concerned.

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londonplayer | 12 years ago
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@tinuts I agree. If the Police decide not to take any action, for whatever reason, a complaint should be made to their ombudsman to inquire as to why no action was taken.

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downfader replied to Bobby Lightcycles | 12 years ago
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Bobby Lightcycles wrote:

It should also be added that the best thing a cyclist can do to prevent such attacks is not to provoke drivers in the first place. If you hate cars then you're entitled to your opinion, but that doesn't mean you have to go round trying to make driving more difficult for everyone on the assumption that all car journeys are somehow "illegitimate".

If the cyclist concerned is a road.cc regular then let's face it, it's pretty likely that he has an anti-car point of view.

Absolute rubbish. People dont become anticar just because they ride a bike.

As for "provoking" drivers, again rediculous. They're not territorial tigers willing to attack to defend their territory, they're people like us.

You've made a lot of assertations with little to back it up. It in no way helps cyclists, motorists or anyone else... and in all reality this is about assault not the "us and them" you've tried to portray.

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Bennyboy | 12 years ago
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Lots of stereotyping going on here, people in white shirts and short hair are all in the BNP?? All cops are bent and don't do there jobs properly?? All cyclist are anti-car...etc, etc. Whilst I hope this guy is caught and dealt with, those who think all people tell the truth during police enquiries must live in cloud cuckoo land!!! It's good to see this blog as this guy should be identified soon.

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Stumps | 12 years ago
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As a serving cop in Northumbria (way up north where it's cold) I have to admit it's embarassing for us who do our job properly. Gone are the days of Gene Hunt and his crew, shame really.
Lets hope we catch them !

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Uno | 12 years ago
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its just a very sad indictment of this country the police and government that this situation has been allowed to happen all we can hope is that someone somewhere has the balls to actually do something about it

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Simon E replied to Bobby Lightcycles | 12 years ago
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Bobby Lightcycles wrote:

It should also be added that the best thing a cyclist can do to prevent such attacks is not to provoke drivers in the first place. If you hate cars then you're entitled to your opinion, but that doesn't mean you have to go round trying to make driving more difficult for everyone on the assumption that all car journeys are somehow "illegitimate".

If the cyclist concerned is a road.cc regular then let's face it, it's pretty likely that he has an anti-car point of view.

Congratulations!

You win the award for Moron Of The Week.

Please return next week and have another go. Based on the above quote I'm sure you would have no problem securing this prestigious award again.

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stuartpeck1 replied to Bobby Lightcycles | 12 years ago
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Bobby Lightcycles wrote:

It should also be added that the best thing a cyclist can do to prevent such attacks is not to provoke drivers in the first place. If you hate cars then you're entitled to your opinion, but that doesn't mean you have to go round trying to make driving more difficult for everyone on the assumption that all car journeys are somehow "illegitimate".

If the cyclist concerned is a road.cc regular then let's face it, it's pretty likely that he has an anti-car point of view.

Hmmm...

Why would being a member of a cycling website make you anti car?

Aggressive and obnoxious driving cause a lot of these incidents, cars going for narrow gaps, pushing cyclists into traffic furniture on narrow roads, not giving enough room whilst overtaking. These are just some of the incidents and that's if they see you at all. You have to stand your ground when this happens, this doesn't mean abusing people but sometimes means confronting drivers, you don't expect to be punched whilst trying to suggest to a driver he's driving dangerously.

Some motorists have the opinion that it's 'their' road and cyclists shouldn't be on it, some are just bad drivers, some are just bullies and some give cyclists lots of room and are a pleasure to be around. Most if not all people on here are both motorists and cyclists and would treat other road users as they wished to be treated.

To suggest this incident is anything less than mindless thuggery is just lunacy.

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dualcyclone | 12 years ago
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Given the screen shot from the video is the driver (you see him getting back in to the car via the drivers door), perhaps the police would like to find someone who drives without insurance, and is clearly a danger to other road users?

Failing that, contact the DVLA for an address to settle the matter "out of court".

Perhaps if you suggested that to the police, they may be forced to actually act on the matter. I hate it when the police do this, I was knocked off my motorbike by a lorry on the A406 several years ago. The policeman at the time told me that there are plenty of camera's on that road so they can catch him. Then a few weeks later the police sent me a letter stating there wasn't enough evidence and the matter was closed - road safety isn't something police car about at all until someone dies, unfortunately.

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richardelliott | 12 years ago
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Is the victim from the political constituency where this happened? If so get the local MP involved. Even if it's not his constituency I'd still suggest getting in touch with an MP. This is a valid and effective route to applying pressure to the police.

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OldRidgeback | 12 years ago
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The car was not stolen so if the driver, who committed the assault, was not the registered keeper then the vehicle was being driven with the permission of the registered keeper. This being the case, the police are obliged to ask the keeper if the driver was insured to use the vehicle. If not, then the keeper has committed an offence of allowing an uninsured driver to use the vehicle. The only way the keeper of the vehicle can prove to the police that the vehicle driver (who committed the assault) was insured is to release the name of the person to the police. If the vehicle keeper refuses to do this it can be assumed that the driver was uninsured and the police can charge the keeper with allowing an uninsured driver to use the vehicle. This offence would be worth three-six points on the keeper's licence, though perhaps some of the serving officers who commented earlier can clarify that.

The victim of this assault should press the point with the police. If the vehicle keeper won't divulge the name of the person committing the assault, then the offence of allowing someone to drive the car without insurance should be made against the keeper. It is a lesser offence than the assault but will leave the vehicle keeper with a fine, much higher insurance premiums and will ensure the person does not lend the vehicle to the same person again. Sometimes a round-about route to justice is the only way forward.

I have a short haircut and sometimes wear white shirts but at least I don't live in Bexley!

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hairyairey | 12 years ago
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Sadly doesn't surprise me. Went to my local police station last night to report a disability related hate crime "not a police matter" was the response. Do people realise that only one in twenty crimes are prosecuted? Our previous government passed loads of new legislation the police aren't prepared to uphold it.

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hairyairey | 12 years ago
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OldRidgeback - completely agree after all Al Capone went to prison for tax evasion.

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Alex.wall | 12 years ago
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I hope this gent is alright. Living all over the place I can tell you that these idiots exist everywhere and unfortunately even if you're a safe, respectful rider there will always be occasions like this. Watching this footage has really made me upset with the relationship between cyclists and drivers. The police are an embarrasment.

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NWLondoner | 12 years ago
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Everyone who sees this should forward/tweet it on to any journalists that they have contact details for. This is NOT acceptable for the police to just shrug off.

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jijiandnoah | 12 years ago
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OldRidgeback - "at least I don't live in Bexley" - to be honest, with that attitude I'm kind of glad you don't

As said before - this happens all over London, there are knuckledragging types everywhere. Don't dismiss an entire borough on the basis of the actions of a few idiots

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Jon Burrage | 12 years ago
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If anyone does have any evidence of the owener/registered address for this vehicle I suggest they share it - not for people like us to go and try and make things right of course but for the police, as a bit of a help. They need it.

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OldRidgeback | 12 years ago
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"OldRidgeback - "at least I don't live in Bexley" - to be honest, with that attitude I'm kind of glad you don't"

I tried to make fun of my own post, seeing as some people took objection to it. Perhaps it wasn't the most balanced thing I've ever written but then I didn't expect a call to arms from the people of Bexley. Nope I don't live in Bexley. I know people who do and have been there a few times.

I note you didn't comment on my suggestion that the police could quite easily charge the vehicle owner with an offence, which I thought was rather more important to this thread anyway.

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jova54 replied to Bobby Lightcycles | 12 years ago
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Bobby Lightcycles wrote:

It should also be added that the best thing a cyclist can do to prevent such attacks is not to provoke drivers in the first place. If you hate cars then you're entitled to your opinion, but that doesn't mean you have to go round trying to make driving more difficult for everyone on the assumption that all car journeys are somehow "illegitimate".

If the cyclist concerned is a road.cc regular then let's face it, it's pretty likely that he has an anti-car point of view.

What a load of BOLLOCKS!!! This takes the prize as the stupidest comment I've seen on road.cc in the two years I've been lurking here.

I'm a road.cc regular, I have cycled for most of my 56 years and own two bikes, I also own a car and have held a full driving licence for nearly 40 years. I do not hate cars and don't treat all car jouneys as 'illegitimate'.

I'll criticise poor driving as quickly as I will poor cycling. It's people who are the problem, not their choice of vehicular propulsion.

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pmr | 12 years ago
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Lets face it - he'll get nothing.
Hope he broke his hand on the fella's helmet.
I think the best option is to carry a pepper spray or something similar as self defence, far too many of these hooligans about.
Personally I avoid any traffic and try to stick to country lanes, there is a serious lack of respect and understanding of the basic rules of the road from a large proportion of drivers in this country.

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handlebarcam replied to NWLondoner | 12 years ago
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NWLondoner wrote:

Everyone who sees this should forward/tweet it on to any journalists that they have contact details for.

The entire journalism profession is too busy navel-gazing following the NotW debacle to pay any attenion to a cyclist getting a thump by a knuckle-dragger.

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handlebarcam replied to jova54 | 12 years ago
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jova54 wrote:
Bobby Lightcycles wrote:

It should also be added that the best thing a cyclist can do to prevent such attacks is not to provoke drivers in the first place. If you hate cars then you're entitled to your opinion, but that doesn't mean you have to go round trying to make driving more difficult for everyone on the assumption that all car journeys are somehow "illegitimate".

What a load of BOLLOCKS!!! This takes the prize as the stupidest comment I've seen on road.cc in the two years I've been lurking here.

You obviously haven't been "lurking" hard enough. But I agree, this is a pretty stupid comment. Rather like comments in the 1950s Deep South about African Americans deserving getting beaten up if they were "uppity."

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jijiandnoah | 12 years ago
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OldRidgeback

OldRidgeback

You're right enough, I didn't comment on your point about the Police charging the owner of the vehicle and - unsurprisingly given my earlier posts - I agree with you, despite the snidey implication I somehow chose to ignore it. And yes, that particular point was far more important to the thread which is why the stupid comments about Bexley were irritating and unnecessary to begin with. Hardly a call to arms, but I'm not going to apologise for liking the place I live in and defending it when someone reduces it to a stereotype

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OldRidgeback | 12 years ago
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Sarcasm vs snide - not worth debating maybe. Maybe one of the reasons I made that comment is that some of the people I know in Bexley have less than wholesome attitudes towards immigration and race. But if you like the place you're welcome to it! See that exclamation mark? It means something.

Back to the point though and what this thread should be about before we got sidetracked - I'd be curious what the two serving cops who posted earlier in the thread have to say regarding my point on vehicle insurance. If the vehicle owner can't prove that the driver had insurance, then the vehicle owner cannot prove that hs or she is not guilty of an offence. And the only way to reveal whether the vehicle driver had insurance is to reveal the person's name.

Video evidence of reasonable quality and a vehicle registration plate should be enough to start with for Bexley's hard-pressed CID. Maybe I'm missing something on the crime torn streets of Bexley I don't know about that means the cops are struggling with their workload?

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SimpleSimon | 12 years ago
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Interesting debate going on here. I just cycled London to Paris in under 24 hours and the treatment of our group by French motorists was stunning. People stopped on roundabouts to let us pass. They overtook right on the other side of the road and only when completely safe to do so. In Kent we had someone overtake us and then immediately turn left directly infront of us!!

Even in Paris the motorists (all vehicles!) were patient, safe and did not blare horns or shout at us (except encouragement and support).

We have a lot to learn here!!

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WolfieSmith | 12 years ago
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Glad you're ok. Here's hoping you get it on Crime Watch. I wasn't surprised to see the widest BBC coverage of the TDF so far this year was Flecha getting side swiped by a car. I can imagine it being a popular clip amongst a certain small group of drivers and given the absence of damage to the car I wonder if it may increase careless driving.... Better to nudge someone who may have a helmet cam into the ditch than stop and have a fight will be the thought crawling through certain tiny minds.

And they wonder why we tend ride in groups...

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