Good Morning Britain presenter Noel Phillips ‘mugged, racially assaulted and spat on’ during attack

Good Morning Britain presenter Noel Phillips has revealed he was “mugged, racially assaulted and spat on” during an attack in central London.

Phillips, GMB’s North America correspondent, tweeted an image of a suspect being detained by police after he helped chase him down in the early hours of Saturday.

The Met Police confirmed a 17-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of robbery and for a racially aggravated public order offence after officers in New Oxford Street were alerted to an incident.

Phillips admitted he was “shaken” by the incident but added he was now “ok”.

“I was mugged, racially assaulted, and spat on yesterday on a busy street in central London.” Phillips wrote on Twitter on Saturday.

He added: “I’m ok. Just shaken. Thanks to Sgt Clark & PC Busson from @metpoliceuk Euston town centre team for helping me catch and detain the ruthless thief who was already on probation for robbery.”

Phillips received messages of support online, including from BBC News presenter Rich Preston.

He wrote: “Noel, I am so so sorry. I’m glad you feel ok but please do give yourself time and take it easy. Very glad this person was caught.

“I’m so sorry this happened. Sending lots of love”.

Phillips added: “Thanks for all your messages. I know in hindsight I probably should not have chased my attacker – but adrenaline got the best of me.

“I’m really grateful though to the officers who happened to be driving along and came to my rescue. London is a beautiful city. Hate will never win.”

The Met Police said in a statement: “A man has been arrested after officers on patrol in central London intervened following a robbery.

“At approximately 02:15hrs on Saturday, 3 September, officers on patrol in New Oxford Street, WC1 were alerted to the incident.

“A 17-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of robbery and for a racially aggravated public order offence after comments were made. He remains in custody.

“The man who was robbed was not injured. Enquiries into the circumstances continue.”