Comedian Paul Whitehouse was targeted in a mugging attempt while using a cashpoint on Essex Road in Islington, London, after leaving to retrieve medication for his wife, Dr Mine Conkbayir reported on Instagram.
The Incident on Essex Road in Islington
The 68-year-old had gone out on Friday night to obtain medication following a bad reaction to treatment experienced by his wife. While visiting the cashpoint behind the Sainsbury’s local store on Essex Road, an individual attempted to take his card. He and Dr Mine Conkbayir have been a couple since 2004, and married in 2019, though they live in separate homes nearby to one another. Dr Conkbayir revealed that Whitehouse was considering taking the matter to the police, noting that she had also experienced a mugging herself a couple of years earlier before 10am where not one person helped.
Whitehouse resisted, successfully retrieving his card before the perpetrator fled the scene empty-handed, according to the social media post shared by Dr Conkbayir. She chose to make the details public after he returned from taking their daughter to football still frustrated by the confrontation.
Reactions From Fellow Entertainers and Family
Following the disclosure of the attack, several figures from the entertainment industry posted messages of support in the comment section of Dr Conkbayir’s Instagram post. Actor Colin McFarlane noted that he lives near the location and had previously experienced a mugging in his life, describing the vulnerability victims feel during such encounters.
Performers including Reece Shearsmith, Jim Howick, Kimberley Nixon, Lorraine Kelly, and Shaun Keaveny also left remarks expressing concern and sending well wishes. Responding to followers, Dr Conkbayir stated that Whitehouse was “pd off” and that nobody helped, though he is okay.
Hosts Discuss ADHD Experiences with Celebrity Guests on Podcast
The couple host the podcast I’m ADHD! No You’re Not, where they discuss experiences surrounding the condition alongside various celebrity guests, including Stephen Fry, Katie Price, and Simon Pegg. Whitehouse is known for his work on the sketch comedy series The Fast Show and has appeared alongside Bob Mortimer on Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing since 2018. It has also been announced that he will play the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry caretaker Argus Filch in the new Harry Potter TV series. The family opted to share details publicly to encourage greater situational awareness among residents.
Questions Regarding the Islington Robbery
When did the mugging attempt take place?
The incident occurred on Friday night when Whitehouse went out to pick up medication for his wife.
Where was Whitehouse targeted?
The confrontation happened at a cashpoint behind the Sainsbury’s local on Essex Road in Islington.
What did the perpetrator manage to steal?
Nothing was stolen, as Whitehouse retrieved his card and the perpetrator scuttled away empty-handed.
Mayor Addresses City Safety Beliefs by Pointing to Police Investments
Earlier this year, London mayor Sadiq Khan addressed beliefs regarding safety in the city by pointing to investments in police numbers aimed at driving down personal robbery statistics, such as phone snatching.
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