A heroic dad who fought off a gang of armed robbers used an arm twist technique he learnt from video games.

The victim was targeted by three men who demanded he handed over his mobile phone at the junction with Adams Drive and Hunter Avenue in Willesborough.

The 23-year-old - who does not want to be identified - fought back after being punched in the head and chest.

The men, who all had their faces covered and one was carrying a knife, ran off empty-handed towards Hunter Avenue after the victim hauled one of them to the floor.

“After the hits to the chest and head, my defence mechanism kicked in,” the victim said.

“I pushed one and twisted his arm and kicked the back of his leg to get him down onto the floor.

“I had learnt it from video games.

“It could have ended up a lot worse if I didn’t react the way I did.

“If I gave them my phone, they would do it again and there would be no consequences.”

Since the attack, the victim - who lives in Willesborough - says he has been struggling to sleep and is finding it difficult to go out in the dark.

But close family and friends have hailed him a superhero for facing up to the robbers.

He added: “I was waiting for my son’s mother as I was meeting her to give her some money.

“I had headphones in and I turned around for a split second and the group of three lads were behind me.

“They confronted me, asked for my mobile phone and one of them pulled out a knife.

“I said no and out of nowhere one of them punched me in the chest and head.

“I’ve been constantly looking over my shoulder since and I’ve started to feel really low as I realised how I could have been stabbed.

“All I want is them to stand up in court and learn that violence isn’t the answer.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, which happened shortly after 6pm on Monday November, 19, should call police on 01843 222298, quoting reference 46/8374/18.