Veteran TV Broadcaster Selina Scott Suffers Daylight Robbery in Central London
Renowned television presenter Selina Scott has revealed that she suffered a traumatic assault and robbery in the heart of central London, leaving her deeply shaken and concerned for public safety in the capital. The incident, which unfolded while she was walking near the bustling Piccadilly area, has sparked wider debate about street crime and visible policing in one of the country’s busiest urban centres.
Ms Scott, 74, who became a familiar face to millions through programmes such as ITV News at Ten and a host of landmark interviews with prominent figures, described the ordeal as both “stunning” and “shattering.” The attack occurred in broad daylight shortly after she left a Waterstones bookshop, highlighting the audacity of the perpetrators.
Detailing the events, Scott said she was set upon by a group of between six and eight individuals. The attackers, who reportedly blended in with the crowd until the last moment, sprang into action near a crowded bus stop. In her own words, the ambush was “slick, brief and clearly engineered to happen in the middle of a crowd,” suggesting a level of premeditation and sophistication.
During the incident, Ms Scott recounted being struck behind the knee, initially fearing the worst—that she had been stabbed. She found herself surrounded and immobilised as members of the gang targeted her from both sides, making it extraordinarily difficult to defend herself or escape. Despite her efforts to resist and maintain her grip on her designer backpack, the group eventually succeeded in unzipping it and stealing her purse. The stolen items included cash, bank cards, and her driving licence.
Physically, Scott was left with bruises, but the emotional impact appears to have been even more profound. “I still feel shattered after what has happened. I can’t believe it happened to me,” she reflected. The veteran broadcaster, well-regarded for her resilience, noted that the experience had left her not only traumatised but also grappling with self-doubt.
“I’m mentally resilient and physically fit, but if they can attack me in such a brazen way, they can attack anyone,” she commented, raising broader concerns about public safety. She admitted to feeling “not just traumatised, but stupid that you have somehow let it happen,” a sentiment familiar to many victims of such crimes.
In the aftermath of the assault, Scott has been vocal in criticising what she perceives as an insufficient police presence on London’s streets. Speaking candidly, she remarked: “I walked up and down some of London’s busiest central areas and didn’t see a single officer. No wonder the gang felt a sense of impunity—they can do anything they want because they know no one will stop them.”
The Metropolitan Police, responding to Scott’s remarks, have defended their current deployment strategy in the West End. In a statement, the force highlighted that both uniformed and plain-clothes officers, as well as vehicle patrols, operate daily in the area to deter and apprehend offenders. They also expressed willingness to engage with Ms Scott directly to address her concerns and discuss policing methods.
While relieved that the assailants did not resort to more dangerous weapons, Scott emphasised that the speed and coordination of the attack were deeply unnerving. The incident, she said, was a “coordinated assault” carried out with striking efficiency.
This event has reignited discussions about the safety of London’s streets and the need for visible policing to deter would-be offenders. Ordinary Londoners, as well as high-profile public figures like Selina Scott, are left wondering whether enough is being done to protect citizens in the capital. The question remains: can London’s authorities restore the sense of security so many expect in their daily lives?