Cyclists were targeted by a gang in a series of ‘brutal’ robberies that saw one man have a kitchen knife held to his throat.

The robberies took place on the canal towpath which runs alongside the River Lea in the vicinity of Lee Valley Marina Springfield opposite Walthamstow Marshes.  

The first robbery happened at 10.15pm on Tuesday, August 1 when a 31-year-old man was cycling along the path and was approached by four men on bikes.

The men, who are all described as black and aged between 18 and 23, blocked his path before rifling through his pockets and punching him in the face.

The gang had their faces covered with scarves and their hoods up and robbed his phone and wallet.

They demanded the PIN number for his bank card and threatened to stab him. The gang then made their escape by cycling north.

Just minutes later a second man, aged 39, was approached by a group of men as he cycled near a river path at High Hill Ferry, opposite Walthamstow Marshes.

The suspects pushed him off his bike before punching and kicking him as he lay on the ground.

They stole a bank card, watch, silver crucifix necklace and his house keys.

The victim, who sustained a leg injury in the assault, fled the scene and flagged down a passer-by who contacted police.

At 11.30pm the following day, Wednesday August 2, three men aged in their early 20s were walking close to the Springfield Marina.

They were approached by three suspects on bikes who assaulted them and held a kitchen knife to one man’s throat.

Their phone and bank cards were stolen.

The fourth robbery happened shortly after midnight on Friday August 4 when a 39-year-old man was cycling near the Crescent Rowing Club.

He was approached by a group of masked men on bikes who initially let him pass as he crossed the bridge but then proceeded to chase him. They left empty-handed.

Detective Inspector Paul Ridley, from Hackney CID, said: “The brutality the robbers have used is very concerning, holding a knife to the throat of one of the terrified victims and subjecting others to violent attacks.

“The robbers appear to be targeting canal path users which provides rapid access and escape routes, particularly when using a cycle.

“The canal towpath is likely to be busy, especially over the course of the weekend.

“Please remain vigilant and if you see any individuals of concern, call police immediately. Do not attempt to challenge the robbers, there is a distinct possibility they will be armed.”

Police are urging anyone who has fallen victim to the gang to come forward with information as well as the boating community in the area who may have seen something.

Patrols have been stepped up on the canal path and enquiries continue to establish whether the gang are linked to any further robberies.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hackney CID via 101 or via Twitter @MetCC quoting operation name ‘Glanford’.

To give information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.