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@mongrel
So just finished work on Commercial Street about 5.20 yesterday and was unlocking my bike from the railings opposite that new Subway. Whipped out the old ipod and was deliberating over which playlist to take me home, when there comes a tap on my shoulder. I turn round to see a cheeky looking 15-year-old Bengali lad who smacks me in the face without so much as a by your leave.
Didn't hurt much so i grabbed him by the trackie top and threw him against a wall. Next thing i know i'm bundled to the ground with five other little scamps laying into me landing some extremely painful kidney kicks and i have to say i started to panic. My bike was unlocked, lights on and ready to roll as well...
That was when I hear a massive bellow of 'FAAACKING CAANTS' - ironically enough a massive white van man has pulled up and opened his door - that gave the tykes pause for thought and i jumped (limped really) to my feet to see em running off. Completely ignored my bike but they did get my ipod.
By then some of my workmates were out the door too and the police were called - only funny thing to come out of it was that they put down my job as 'bicycle messenger' on my statement and i had to explain to them that I only dress as one and am in fact a mere press officer.
My portly saviour had nobly driven off without even seeking a word of thanks. Never thought I'd be saying something like this but thank you white van man for saving me a more severe kicking. Next time i get pulled out in front of/cut up/forced against a wall at speed by a white van i'm just gonna give em a thumbs up and let them carry on...