F1 boss Ecclestone attacked outside London office

LONDON — Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone was attacked outside his London office this week and robbed of jewelry worth $314,000.

London police said the 80-year-old Ecclestone was treated in a hospital for a minor head injury after being punched and kicked by four men following his arrival at the offices of Formula One Holdings on Wednesday night.

Police are investigating but had not arrested anyone.

Ecclestone said this month there were not enough police on the streets of London to prevent attacks in the British capital.

“Normally like in America or anywhere you go, there are people getting mugged,” Ecclestone 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.”

Ecclestone made the comments in response to an attack on Formula One driver Jenson Button in Sao Paolo, suggesting that only those who looked vulnerable would be attacked.

“They look for victims, they look for anyone that looks like a soft touch and not too bright,” Ecclestone said. “The people that look a bit soft and simple, they will always have a go at.”

Button’s driver had to swerve out of a traffic jam to dodge an attempted carjacking when gunmen approached the armored car.