Veteran broadcaster Selina Scott has spoken of her trauma after being assaulted and robbed by a gang of up to eight people in a daylight ambush in central London. The 74-year-old former ITV News at Ten presenter was attacked as she left a Waterstones near Piccadilly.
Scott described being surrounded by assailants wearing expensive sportswear and appearing East Asian, who initially seemed like ordinary passers-by. She was struck behind the knee, causing her to believe she had been stabbed, and found herself boxed in. While she clung to her backpack, another group rammed into her from the opposite side, managing to unzip the bag and steal her purse containing cash, cards and her driving licence.
“I still feel shattered after what has happened. I can’t believe it happened to me,” Scott said. She added that the ordeal left her feeling “traumatised” and “stupid” for letting it happen, despite being “mentally resilient and physically fit”. The broadcaster also expressed fury over the lack of visible police presence, stating she walked through busy areas without seeing a single officer.
The Metropolitan Police responded by defending their presence in the West End, noting that a significant number of officers patrol daily in uniform, plain clothes and vehicles. A spokesperson said they would be happy to discuss the victim’s concerns.
Scott, who once interviewed Donald Trump, said she was relieved the gang did not use a knife but remains deeply rattled by the coordinated assault. “If they can attack me in such a brazen way, they can attack anyone,” she said.
