Peer robbed at gunpoint: Our streets are lawless

A peer who had a gun pointed at his head outside his Battersea home said today crime had risen dramatically in the area since police stopped patrols.

Lord Kenilworth was confronted by a gang demanding keys to his wife's car on a Sunday afternoon. No arrests have been made.

The landscape architect, who works under the name Randle Siddeley, and his wife said crime had escalated since their regular beat bobby was transferred two years ago. "We are just waiting for someone to get shot or stabbed," said Lord Kenilworth, 55.

''There seems to be a total lack of any law and order since our regular officer moved. We were told he was being replaced by community support officers, but there have been no sign of them."

The couple's 18-year-old son has been mugged by a man who claimed to have a gun and a gang chased Lady Kenilworth until she hid with neighbours.

"There have been many other incidents of car crime, break-ins and petty theft all in the last couple of years. The police don't seem to be anywhere in sight," said Lady Kenilworth, jewellery designer Kiki McDonough.

Ten days ago, Lord Kenilworth was washing his wife's Mini when the gang demanded the car keys, their leader holding a gun to his head.

He refused, saying they were "completely mad". The gunman grabbed Lord Kenilworth and forced him against a wall. He gave them the keys.

At this point a neighbour intervened. "They told my neighbour to 'f-off' otherwise he would be shot. It was like something out of a movie."

The gang fled when other passers-by began to gather. Lady Kenilworth said: "It was one of those moments when your world collapses. I'm terrified they will come back. The police have done absolutely nothing to find them."

Chief Superintendent Stuart Low, the Wandsworth commander, said crimes such as this were rare but he would be meeting the couple. He added: "Police have not lost control of the streets."