Video shows lorry driver bravely thwart armed moped thieves

A brave lorry driver who used his vehicle to thwart moped-riding thieves has been praised for his efforts.

The driver was caught on film as he used his quick thinking to manoeuvre his lorry and prevent the would-be thieves from making off with a set of parked scooters.

Footage showed the hammer-wielding suspects react furiously as the lorry driver sandwiched the targeted mopeds between his vehicle and the pavement.

Once they had run out of options, the suspects were seen driving off empty-handed from the scene at Fitzroy Street, Fitzrovia.

The driver has now been commended for his efforts.

According to witnesses, the suspects used an angle grinder to break the locks on the mopeds shortly before 10am last Thursday.

But before they could make off with the vehicles the lorry driver intervened, parking his load within inches of the targets.

Passersby watched on and filmed as the suspects circled the lorry and threatened the driver before giving up.

The footage was filmed and shared by The Fitzrovia Partnership, which identified the lorry driver as working for food supplier Brakes.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan confirmed police were called at 9.50am to an attempted theft.

"One of the suspects made threats to members of the public while another attempted to steal a moped," the spokesman said.

"They were prevented from stealing the moped by a passing lorry, which blocked the suspects in. The two suspects made off on a moped, riding westbound on Fitzroy Street."

Brakes later tweeted their praise for the "brave and selfless" driver.

No one has been arrested but anyone with information that may assist police should call the Central North Command Unit via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.