Detectives are appealing for information after a moped rider threatened a police officer with a knife in Hornsey Rise on Wednesday.

The cop, on a marked police bike, saw two men on a moped acting suspiciously in the shadow of Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in Benwell Road, Holloway, at about 2.30pm.

The officer signalled for them to stop and the vehicle made off, eventually stopping for the officer in Sunnyside Road. The pillion dismounted, threatened the officer with a large knife and then slashed the tyres of the bike.

Both rider and pillion then made off on their bike. The officer was not injured in the incident.

The rider and pillion are described as male, aged 18 to 22, wearing dark clothing and a black helmet.

No arrests have been made.

Det Insp Greg Coates, of the anti-moped crime Operation Attrition unit, said: “These men are clearly dangerous and need to be arrested. We are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has any information.

“In particular we would like to hear from anyone who was in this area at the time and has dashcam footage. If you were in the vicinity of either in Benwell Road, Hornsey Road or Sunnyside Road on Wednesday afternoon – please call police – your information could be vital.”

That night, the residents’ association for Whitehall Park – just around the corner from Sunnyside Road – held a meeting about community safety. Police were due to speak, but were unable to attend as they were still dealing with the incident.

Hillrise Cllr Dave Poyser, the ward rep, told the Gazette: “There were 30 people there to discuss moped crime. It’s unfortunate police weren’t able to come, but it’s better to stop criminals than attend public meetings.

“We were also extremely pleased this officer was chasing these suspected criminals in this incident. But attacking the police is shocking, and moped crime is obviously a major concern. People are angry.”

Cllr Poyser added: “It’s important to help police by reporting these incidents, as it allows officers to build up evidence.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.