A DRIVING instructor was viciously beaten and robbed in front of his pupil during a lesson.

The attack happened at about 5pm last Tuesday when the 47-year-old driving instructor and his 17-year-old pupil drove into Perryn Road, Acton, where they parked to bring the lesson to an end.

As they sat in the car they were approached from behind by three teenagers riding bikes. One of the attackers opened the front passenger door while the other two opened the front driver's door.

They asked how much it would cost for a driving lesson but were told to leave by the instructor. The three youths then asked the instructor for his takings from the lesson but he told them he had not been paid yet.

The instructor's pupil was then asked for money by the robbers and she told them she had already paid for her lesson.

One of the robbers pulled the instructor's shirt and tie and kicked him in the left side of his face. The instructor was forced out of the car onto the floor and was repeatedly kicked about the head by all three attackers.

While he was being attacked one of the robbers attempted to take the watch from his wrist and, as he struggled, the strap broke. The watch was later found dumped on the road.

All three robbers rode off on their bikes towards the A40 and the instructor gave chase but lost them.

They made off with £60 in cash, a mobile phone and the learner driver's handbag. The instructor was taken to New Ealing Hospital where he was treated for cuts and swelling to his nose and a painful right wrist. The learner did not need any medical attention but was left shaken.

The attackers are all described as black teenagers. The first one was about 16 years old and of a thin build wearing a hooded top. The second robber was also about 16 and was about 5ft 8ins tall. No description is available for the third attacker.

Witnesses should contact DS Ken McRae at Ealing Crimedesk on 020 8246 9496