POLICE are hunting a gang of moped-riding robbers who attacked a wealthy businessman outside his Hampstead home with a hammer.

The 57-year-old was cleaning outside his house in Platts Lane in April when four men on mopeds with false number plates, wearing helmets and boiler suits, crashed into his driveway.

The raid is being connected to a series of attacks by a gang on mopeds.

CCTV footage shows the man attempting to fend them off with a broom before they threaten him with the hammer and demand that he hand over his £60,000 Ferrari watch. They also remove a gold chain and his wedding ring before riding away in under 90 seconds.

Police have linked the attacks to a spate of five similar incidents that have taken place in Hampstead and Kilburn, as well as Cricklewood, stretching back to last May.

The attack in April took place three weeks before moped riders robbed the Hampstead home of professional footballer Alexander Merkel on May 2.

The 22-year-old, on loan to Watford from Italian club Udinese, opened the door whilst they were attempting to smash it down. The thieves grabbed a bag and rode off.

In December last year a 54-year-old property investor was violently assaulted and robbed of his £8,000 Rolex watch after parking his Porsche 911 outside his home in South Hampstead in a similar attack.

A spokesman for Barnet Police urged residents to remain “vigilant” and dial 999 if they see individuals on mopeds "acting suspiciously”. Patrols have been increased in the area.