F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone mugged of jewellery worth hundreds of thousands of pounds

FORMULA One supremo Bernie Ecclestone suffered a head injury after being attacked by muggers who robbed him of jewellery worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, it emerged yesterday.

The 80-year-old was robbed outside the headquarters of his business empire Formula One Holdings, in Knightsbridge, central London, at 10:30pm on Wednesday.

The billionaire was reportedly punched and kicked by four men as he arrived at his offices - where he has an eighth-floor penthouse apartment - with his Brazilian girlfriend Fabiana Flosi.

It is understood the gang may have been waiting for the businessman and his 31-year-old partner. It remains unclear what items of jewellery were taken but they are thought to include a designer watch worn by Mr Ecclestone and diamond rings belonging to Ms Flosi, a lawyer, sports marketing agent, and model.

The entrepreneur was taken to hospital after the incident, but was discharged soon afterwards. Ms Flosi was not injured.

The attack comes just weeks after Mr Ecclestone suggested the streets of London were more violent than Brazil, following the attempting car-jacking of British F1 driver, Jensen Button.

His offices are near Buckingham Palace and within walking distance of the busy Oxford Street.

Earlier this month, Mr Ecclestone complained there were not enough police officers on the streets of London.

"Normally like in America or anywhere you go, there are people getting mugged," he said. "In London, it's a funny thing you know. It's surprising in Oxford Street the number of people that get mugged there hourly. We should have more police there."

A police spokesman said: "Officers from Westminster robbery squad are investigating. There have been no arrests and inquiries continue. The items stolen are believed to be jewellery."