Man Fights Off Bike Gang in West Bromwich

A viral video has captured the dramatic moment Rafal Kalinowski, 59, defended himself against a group of men on motorbikes after falling from his electric bike in West Bromwich. The incident occurred on Bromford Lane while Kalinowski was commuting to work. One of the assailants appeared to wield a hammer, but Kalinowski remained composed, describing his mindset as "like a computer" during the confrontation. Kalinowski, a warehouse operative, regularly uses a helmet camera while cycling and had purchased a self-defense spray online, which he had kept in his backpack for three years. In the heat of the moment, he managed to use the spray on one or two of the attackers before reporting the incident to the police the following day. His actions have garnered significant attention, with the video receiving over 40,000 views and numerous comments praising his bravery. Authorities have since arrested four suspects in connection with the incident, including two 20-year-olds, an 18-year-old, and a 17-year-old. These individuals are linked to a series of robberies and vehicle crimes in the area. On the same day as Kalinowski's encounter, a scooter was stolen from a man in his 30s, and there were additional theft attempts involving motorbikes in West Bromwich and Tipton. The police continue to investigate the string of crimes, while Kalinowski's story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by cyclists in urban areas.