West London cyclist suffers multiple stab wounds in “unprovoked” attack

Police in West London have launched an appeal for witnesses after a cyclist was stabbed several times in what they say was an “unprovoked” attack on Saturday evening.

The incident took place in in Ridding Lane, Greenford, at around 7.30pm as the 33-year-old man, who was on his way to the shops, rode his bike towards Sudbury Hill tube station.

He was pushed off his bike by three men who subsequently fled, and unaware of his injuries, carried on riding before collapsing.

The rider was stabbed five times in his legs, chest, armpit and back, and is being treated in hospital in central Londonwhere his condition is described as “stable.”

Detective Constable Steven Constable of Acton CID, said: "This appears at this stage to be an entirely unprovoked attack on a man who was merely cycling to the shops. Nothing was stolen during the assault.

"We are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information about the suspects to contact us as soon as possible. It may be someone saw them hanging around the area in the minutes or hours leading up to the attack."

The Metropolitan Police described one suspect as “black, around 25 years, about 6ft and slim,” wearing dark clothing and believed to be local.

They say the other two suspects are “also black and aged about 21 or 22,” and that “they were skinny and wore dark clothing with their hoods up.”

Anyone who has information about the incident is requested to contact Acton CID on 020 8721 7029, or the charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The incident is the second apparently unprovoked stabbing of a cyclist in London in recent weeks.

Last month, 15-year-old Alan Cartwright died shortly after he was stabbed as he rode his bike on Caledonian Road in Islington.

Like the victim in the latest attack, he carried on riding as though unaware of his injuries, before collapsing.

Two friends with whom he was riding had their bikes stolen.

An 18-year-old man has been charged with his murder.