An appeal has been launched to find the thugs behind an attack which left a moped rider’s knee “smashed to smithereens”.

David Babbs, 48, has his Piaggio Beverly 350cc stolen in a violent attack following a six-mile chase down the A12 which ended in Harold Wood.

The attack happened on April 14, at about 1.30pm with two bikes following Mr Babbs from Newbury Park.

Mr Babbs became aware of a three-wheeler Piaggio MP3, in the outside lane with two males on it - this bike was being followed by another moped ridden by a lone male.

The former city trader was followed to Gallows Corner and then Colchester Road before stopping at traffic lights in Whitelands Way.

It is here where the three-wheeled moped slammed into the back of Mr Babbs - pushing his bike into the junction.

The chase continued into St Clements Avenue, Harold Wood, where robbers used a hammer to hit his knee and dislodge him from the moped before making off with it.

After being found by men working nearby, Mr Babbs was taken to Queen’s hospital for treatment on a smashed tibial plateau.

The dad-of-one says he has been left “completely traumatised” by the attack and is struggling to sleep since the incident.

The 48-year-old is now facing up to eight weeks at home as he recovers from the attack and doctors have told him he will probably limp for the rest of his life.

Detective Constable Lucy Chapman from Havering CID, said: “I am appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident, in particular people who were using the A12 around Gallows Corner roundabout and Pettits Lane just after 1.30pm that day.

“The victim was driving in an erratic manner to try and escape those pursuing him - witnesses may not have realised what was going on but I would urge anyone who saw this pursuit to get in contact with police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Havering CID via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.