A cyclist's leg was broken by a gang of young robbers.

A 32-year-old man was cycling along a canal path next to the River Lea, near Walthamstow Reservoirs on Tuesday (June 16) at 8.40pm when he was attacked.

The cyclist saw three youths sitting on a wall in Armadale Close watching the popular commuter cycle route.

One of the gang confronted the cyclist by blocking his path and grabbed the handlebars of his bike.

During the struggle, the victim fell to the floor and his leg was broken.

He was kicked while laying helpless on the ground.

After stealing the bike, the robbers fled into the Armadale Estate in Tottenham Hale, where it was found abandoned by police.

The victim is being treated in hospital for his injuries.

The first suspect is described by police as a tall black male, aged 18-20, of slim build and wearing a burgundy bandana over his face.

A second black male was described as being of large build, aged 18-20, 5ft 11ins, with afro-style hair was wearing a black jacket.

The third is a black male of Somali appearance, about 16-years-old, who was short, of slim build and wearing a black bomber jacket and blue jeans.

Detective Sergeant Gareth Coffey of Haringey CID, said: "This was a violent attack on an innocent man and it has left him badly injured.

“I am sure these three youths will have been seen and will probably be known to people.

"I would ask anyone with information to do what is right and call the police. We will treat your information in the strictest confidence."

Cyclists have been targeted by gangs in the Walthamstow marshes area.

There were several incidents along nearby Coppermill Lane including a knife-point robbery on April 5 where a man was attacked by a group of 12 men.

The attack came after a cyclist was punched to the ground and had his bike stolen on the same route by a gang in Coppermill Lane, on March 24.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or, if you do not wish to give your name, you can phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting the reference number 2813883/15.