Police are appealing for witnesses after moped attackers stole an expensive road bicycle from a cyclist in Richmond Park.

The revelation marks the return of violent attacks on cyclists in Richmond Park that created fear in the cycling community and drove many away from the Royal Park last year.

The attack happened last Thursday - June 2 – but the details have only been made public today.

The Royal Parks police said: "We are appealing for any witnesses, dash-cam or head-cam footage following a robbery in Richmond Park near to Ladderstile gate.

"The incident occurred on 02/06/22 at 16:25, where two persons on a moped followed a cyclist along Dark hill towards Broomfield Hill.

"The moped then cut in front of the cyclist and took the bike. They then made off carrying the bike, believed down Broomfield Hill."

The police provided an image of a bike similar to the one that has been stolen. It appears to be a Canyon Grail:ON, which is a high-end electric gravel bike that normally costs over £4,600.

The police added: "The suspects were described as approximately 25 years old, male, wearing a black coat, grey jogging bottoms, with a white or light grey helmet."

People with any images or information are asked to call 101 and quote crime ref: 0406215/22.

Masked thugs riding mopeds launched a series of violent attacks on cyclists last autumn, where they stole a number of expensive racing bicycles.

Their targets included professional cyclist, Alexandar Richardson, who was threatened with a machete and suffered some injuries as he tried to fight them off.

The attacks have led many scared cyclists to stay away from the Park and the surrounding area, while the local MP, Sarah Olney, called for an increase in police numbers to keep visitors and cyclists safe.

Police announced the arrest of a 16-year-old in association with the thefts last year.