A MOTORCYCLIST has spoken of the horrific moment he was robbed of his cherished machine by thugs – one of whom was armed – in a lunchtime attack.

The 63-year-old engineer was riding along Goose Cote Lane in Keighley when a car forced him to stop.

A gang of youths leapt out and dragged him from the bike, a 2021-registered Yamaha Tracer 700.

One of the assailants had what appeared to be a knife and jabbed him in the back.

The car and motorcycle – with two of the attackers on board – then sped off, leaving their victim shaken but physically uninjured.

Police later found the car, a black Vauxhall Astra on stolen number plates, abandoned.

But there was no sign of the bike – which is a distinctive silver with electric blue wheels, and less than a year old.

"I had been visiting a house and I suspect they'd seen the bike parked outside and been watching," said the victim, whom we have agreed not to name to protect his identity.

"When I headed off, this black Vauxhall Astra came flying past and pulled up in front of me. Two lads got out, but I managed to ride round them.

"The car came past again and then moments later it had turned round and was driving down the hill right at me, and stopped really close to my bike.

"These lads jumped out – there were about four of them. One appeared to have a knife and jabbed me in the back. They were swearing at me and telling me to get off the bike. They were maybe 15 to 20 years old, and all hooded up. They half dragged me off and then went roaring up the road in the car and on the bike.

"I've had a motorcycle since I was 17 and never encountered anything like this. I guess I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. But it won't put me off getting another motorbike."

West Yorkshire Police confirm they are investigating the robbery, which occurred at about 12.35pm on Saturday, June 4.

A spokesperson said: "Anyone who witnessed the incident – or has information that will assist – is asked to contact Bradford District CID on 101 or by using the LiveChat on the West Yorkshire Police website, quoting crime reference 13220301302.

"Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online."