FORMER leading jockey Declan Murphy has been subjected to a terrifying ordeal at the hands of gun-wielding thieves as he sat in his car in London's West End.

FORMER leading jockey Declan Murphy has been subjected to a terrifying ordeal at the hands of gun-wielding thieves as he sat in his car in London's West End.

The East Anglian-based former jockey is said to be extremely shaken after the thieves held a pistol to his stomach as he was waiting in traffic in his BMW in Paddington Street.

After failing in an attempt to take Mr Murphy's car the robbers forced him to hand over his £15,000 Cartier watch, his wallet, jacket and laptop computer.

It is the second time in two years the jockey, who has homes in the Newmarket area, has suffered at the hands of armed criminals.

In 2002 thieves armed with knives followed him into his home in Newmarket. On that occasion the violent criminals jumped out of a van and bundled him into his home. After tying him up with curtain cord they fled with electrical items. Despite being extremely traumatised he managed to free himself and alert the police.

Robbery squad detectives have now launched an investigation into the latest attack, which happened in broad daylight at around 4.30pm.

As Mr Murphy, 36, sat in traffic on Wednesday afternoon two men jumped out of another vehicle and forced their way into his BMW. They tried to steal the vehicle but were foiled by a state-of-the art security system. One of the men is said to have then pointed a gun at Mr Murphy forcing him to hand over his personal belongings.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: “The Marylebone Robbery Squad is investigating the incident.

“One of the men is said to have pointed a gun at the man and stole his Cartier watch. They left the car after removing his wallet and laptop computer and drove away in a car nearby. We have not arrested anybody in connection with the robbery and the investigation is ongoing.”

The former Irish champion hurdler was forced to retire from the sport in 1995 after a glittering career. A year before his retirement he fractured his skull in a horrific fall at Haydock, which almost claimed his life. His injuries were so serious a priest is said to have read him the last rites.

He is now well regarded as a racing expert and works as a presenter on the Racing Channel.

Mr Murphy was not available for comment at his Suffolk home yesterday. Anyone with any information is urged to call the police on 0207 3219306.