Good Morning Britain star Noel Phillips ‘mugged, racially assaulted & spat on’ in horror attack on busy London street
GOOD Morning Britain presenter Noel Phillips was “mugged, racially assaulted and spat on” in a horrific attack in central London.
The journalist from New York City – who is GMB’s North America correspondent – gained a huge amount of support after he revealed the news on his Twitter page.
Phillips shared a photo of a man being pinned down on the ground by two cops, who are thought to have arrested him.
Taking to the social media site, he wrote: “I was mugged, racially assaulted, and spat on yesterday on a busy street in central London.”
He told his followers that he was “ok, just shaken”.
He also thanked the Met Police for their assistance.
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Phillips added: “Thanks to Sgt Clark & PC Busson from Met Police […] for helping me catch and detain the ruthless thief who was already on probation for robbery.”
BBC News presenter Rich Preston expressed his support, tweeting a message of solidarity to Phillips.
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.”
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Neil Thompson, an editor at GMB, also added: “How truly awful, just dreadful.
“Really glad you and the police got the scumbag who attacked you. Hope you’re feeling okay?”
Many of his Twitter followers also added their heartfelt messages.
One wrote: “Can only imagine how awful that must have been”, while another said: ‘Wishing you a speedy recovery and hope it doesn’t knock your confidence”.
The Met Police told Phillips that his message of gratitude has been passed on to the officers who came to his aid.
In a later statement, the Met said a 17-year-old man had been arrested “on suspicion of robbery and for a racially aggravated public order offence”.
Cops had been alerted to an incident at around 2.15am today on New Oxford Street.
The man remains in custody and enquiries are continuing.
Phillips had worked at Sky News before joining Good Morning Britain in 2021.
He announced the move in November 2020, saying he was “very excited” to start his new role in the New Year.
“I’m very excited to say I’ll be joining GMB as North America Correspondent in the new year”, he wrote on social media.
“A major debt of gratitude to Sky News. There are too many talented people to thank, but I’m grateful to colleagues who have made the experience so special.”
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In a reference to the pandemic, he added: “It’s a tough time for us all right now but to everyone out there hoping to break into journalism, don’t give up. Keep working. Dreams do come true.”
Before joining Sky News he had roles at the BBC and The Independent.