Politicians rally round Blackpool MP who was attacked and robbed on his way home

Politicians have sent messages of support to the Blackpool South MP Chris Webb, who was mugged and robbed of his phone.

The Labour politician said he suffered no injuries in the incident in London on Monday (4 November) where he was attacked by a group of individuals.

As he turned around and took a few steps, a group of five or six individuals all dressed in black and wearing balaclavas grabbed him and took his phone. They then made a quick getaway on their bikes, he said.

Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, the MP said: "Last night, as I was returning to my flat in London, I was attacked and mugged by a group of individuals. "Luckily, I have no injuries and I am ok. Unfortunately, they just took my phone so I’m without one for the foreseeable future. "I want to thank the @metpoliceuk for their swift response and support. The officers who assisted me went above and beyond. They are a remarkable credit to the force."

It happened as he was walking home from Parliament around 10pm and called into a corner shop to pick up a parcel, but it was closed.

He had been on the phone to his wife and put his phone in his pocket, he said.

Responding to the message Lib Dem MP Tim Farron, who also represents a North West constituency, said: "That’s awful - I hope you are ok?"

Kind messages were also sent by former Salford MP Baroness Keeley of Worsley and Bolton North East's MP Kirith Entwistle.

Mr Webb became the Blackpool South MP in a by-election last May and held on to the seat in July's General Election.

Speaking on Tuesday Mr Webb said he used the tracking on his phone via his smart watch to lead police to an area where they caught someone with stolen phones – but his phone was not among them.

His advice to others is to stay vigilant when out at night with your phone, use headphones where possible and do not have your phone out on show.

“I think I was just a victim of crime who was in the wrong place at the wrong time and was not being as vigilant as I should be with my phone out at 10 o’clock at night,” he said.

The Metropolitan Police said officers were called at 9.55pm on Monday following reports of a robbery on Lambeth Walk.

“The victim was approached by a group of men who stole his phone from his hand. Inquiries remain ongoing,” the force said.

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