A Christian pastor is now recovering in a hospital after falling heavily while chasing thieves who snatched his expensive mobile phone.
The incident happened in London while he was delivering a sermon on Facebook Live.
The Ghanaian-born preacher, Isaac Anderson, has since begged his followers to pray for his speedy recovery. The Daily Mail reported the story.
Dramatic Moment Caught Live
Pastor Anderson was recording a religious broadcast for his followers on an early morning. The theft occurred at 6.30 am on Hoe Street in Walthamstow, east London.
A London e-bike gang targeted him. Two balaclava-clad cyclists spotted him about seventeen minutes into his live sermon. The duo rode past him before turning their bikes around.
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One thief came from behind and snatched the iPhone 16 Pro Max from his hand. Pastor Anderson immediately decided to follow. As he took a step to chase them, he fell heavily.
A passing bus driver appeared to try to warn the pastor. The alleged thief failed to notice that Mr Anderson's phone was still broadcasting online.
The thief and his accomplice were caught on camera discussing the ongoing stream.
"Hey JP, he's on TikTok. He's on TikTok live, bro... No fam. How do I end it? It's on Facebook,".
Plea from the Hospital Bed
Mr Anderson was taken to A&E after his fall. He confirmed he had been admitted to the hospital. He appeared slightly breathless and in pain while speaking.
He explained that the fall affected his belly.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Pastor Anderson asked for support. He urged his followers to pray for him.
"I fell heavily and it affected my belly. So pray for a speedy recovery. God bless you.".
The preacher warned others to be alert in the capital of the UK. He declared that thieves, burglars, and robbers are everywhere.
He stated that "you don't know the people that are around you that will come and hurt you". He lamented the loss of his expensive phone.
"It's not easy. All my information was on it.".
London's Mobile Phone Crime Scourge
The incident highlights a continuing problem with mobile phone thefts in the most populous capitals around the world. For example, the number of phone snatchings has reportedly tripled in Nairobi over the past few years.
Gangs often use motorbikes to swipe phones from victims.
Mr Anderson received an outpouring of support on social media after the theft. One person wrote on Facebook: "Sorry Apostle, may God give you more strength and protect you".
The pastor urged everyone to be careful. He advised caution regarding phones and important items during daily activities.
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