Shocking footage shows the moment a knife-wielding robber stabbed a Deliveroo rider in the middle of a busy high street while trying to steal his bike.
The 28-year-old victim said he thought Lewis Livingstone, 19, would have killed him had brave passers-by not jumped in to save him.
Livingstone launched the unprovoked attack after spotting the courier cycling along Fore Street in Enfield, north London, shortly before 4.30pm on July 1 last year.
He can be seen in the CCTV clip unsheathing a large knife and waving it at his victim before chasing him away from the bike. He tried to ride away on it but was tackled to the ground.
While they were both on the floor, Livingstone stabbed the rider in the abdomen in front of horrified onlookers.
The victim screamed for help and his hands were slashed as he warded off further blows, before several witnesses rushed in to stop the attack.
His injuries were later assessed as not life-threatening or life-changing.
When asked why he had done it, one witness said Livingstone simply responded: ‘Is he dead?’
Livingstone, from Enfield, was jailed for six-and-a-half years at Hendon Magistrates’ Court on March 15 having pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of a bladed article.
He was also subject to a suspended sentence for a previous offence, bringing the total to eight years’ imprisonment.
Livingstone tried to claim he was acting in self-defence, according to Scotland Yard.
The victim said in a statement: ‘I believe this man was going to kill me, had the people not come to my rescue.
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‘I am still not over the shock and fear. I spent the night in hospital having nightmares. I still have a lot of pain on my side and hands as a result of being stabbed. I am now in the queue waiting for surgery on my hands.’
Investigating officer detective constable James Hunt said: ‘The victim continues to suffer with the physical and psychological impact of this incident.
‘He was going about his day, having just bought some food, when he was thrust into a terrible ordeal.
‘I know he is incredibly grateful to the people who came to his aid. Were it not for their bravery, this incident could potentially have been far worse.’
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