Labour MP Chris Webb Attacked by Masked Gang in Phone Theft Incident Near Parliament

Labour MP Chris Webb, representing Blackpool South, reported being attacked by a masked gang who snatched his phone as he walked home from Parliament on Monday night. The incident occurred shortly before 10 PM while Webb was chatting with his wife and stopped at a shop in Lambeth, south London.

As he exited the store, the 38-year-old MP was ambushed from behind by a group of robbers wearing balaclavas. Webb described the attackers as a gang of five or six individuals on bikes who quickly made off with his new iPhone Pro Max.

“I was walking home from Parliament and was stopping off at the corner shop near my flat,” Webb recounted. “As I was walking away from the shop, I was grabbed and mugged. They managed to get away quite quickly on their bikes.” He suspects the gang may have seen him using his phone and targeted him due to his isolation at that moment.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer with his MP for Blackpool South (Picture: PA)

Fortunately, Webb did not suffer serious injuries, aside from a bruise on his arm from being restrained during the incident. “I think I got away fortunate compared to others who have been targeted,” he noted, emphasising the need for vigilance, especially when using mobile devices. “If this can happen to someone my height and size, it can happen to anyone.”

After the incident, Webb utilised his smartwatch to lock his stolen phone, aiding the police in tracking it to where an individual was later arrested with a bag of phones. However, his device has not yet been recovered.

The MP praised the police response to his call, expressing gratitude for their support and efficiency. “They went above and beyond to help me,” he said, highlighting the often-overlooked good work done by law enforcement. “I couldn’t have asked for a better response.”

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they received a call regarding the robbery at 9:55 PM, stating, “The victim was approached by a group of men who stole his phone from his hand. Inquiries remain ongoing.”

On social media, fellow MPs expressed support for Webb, with Labour MP Kate Osbourne expressing sympathy and former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron inquiring about his well-being. Jacob Collier, MP for Burton and Uttoxeter, also sent his best wishes.

This incident follows a recent uptick in phone snatching incidents in London, with police actively working to address the issue and apprehend offenders.