Police release images of men connected to robbery outside Southwark leisure centre

Police are hoping members of the public will come forward to help identify three men who robbed a man of his watch after they followed him off a bus in Southwark.

Detectives from the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command are appealing for assistance and have released images of the men they want to trace.

At around 20 past midnight, on Wednesday, March 30, a man in his 30s was assaulted by three men outside Seven Islands Leisure Centre in Lower Road.

During the course of the attack they stole his watch and attempted to steal his mobile phone.

The victim had been travelling home on a Route 47 bus following a night out in east London. He caught the bus from Shoreditch High Street Station. The three suspects got on at the same stop.

When the victim alighted at the Lower Road stop, he was followed by the three men who quickly set upon him.

A member of public came to the aid of the victim and the suspects ran from the scene. They were chased by the member of public who was able to recover the victim’s watch.

The victim did not require hospital treatment.

The suspects are described as being of Middle Eastern appearance, aged between 20 and 30 years old, around 5ft 9ins tall, of slim build and with dark hair. All wore dark clothing and spoke with foreign accents.

PC Johanna Hernandez Garcia, from the Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “This was a nasty attack and the victim was lucky not to sustain serious injuries.

“We have carried out a number of inquiries to piece together the events of that night and are now appealing for the assistance of the public.

“No one should have to go about their day in fear of thieves and we know the impact such crimes have on victims. I would remind people to remain aware of their surroundings and where possible, keep valuables out of sight.”

Anyone who recognises any of the three men, or has any information which could assist, is urged to contact police on 07500 607652 or by dialling 101 quoting crime reference 3015739/22. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Pictured top: Images of the three men sought (Picture: Met Police)