Labour MP Chris Webb was attacked and mugged by a group of individuals as he returned to his flat in London on Monday evening. The Blackpool South MP took to social media to share details of the incident, revealing that his mobile phone was stolen during the assault but that he was fortunately left uninjured.
“Last night, as I was returning to my flat in London, I was attacked and mugged by a group of individuals,” Mr. Webb posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Luckily, I have no injuries and I am ok. Unfortunately, they just took my phone so I’m without one for the foreseeable future.” He went on to praise the officers who assisted him, describing them as a “remarkable credit to the force.”
Support for the MP poured in from fellow politicians. Labour MP Josh Fenton-Glynn sent his regards, writing, “Hope you’re okay, mate,” while MP Jacob Collier expressed sympathy, adding, “So sorry to see this, Chris. Best wishes.”
The mugging comes amid a surge in phone thefts across London. Over 66,500 phone thefts were reported in the city between October 2023 and September 2024—a 40% increase from the previous year. The government has committed to addressing the rising trend in “snatch thefts,” with recent data showing a sharp national increase.
Chris Webb, who won his seat in a high-profile by-election in May, and the Metropolitan Police have yet to release further statements.
