Gangs mug lone cyclists

Gangs on mopeds are mugging lone cyclists as they commute to work in London, prompting police to warn bikers that they should travel in pairs.

The moped muggers chase cyclists along marked routes to snatch their bags before zooming off through traffic.

Dozens of people have been attacked in the past two months in north and east London. Scotland Yard plans to send out plainclothes officers on bikes to catch the thieves.

One station in north London is reportedly receiving an average of 15 complaints a day.

The growing number of people commuting by bike to avoid congestion in central London is presenting a lucrative target for muggers, who ride up alongside and snatch panniers and bags.