Croydon’s ‘Green Knight’ has been forced to borrow a replacement steed after thieves stole his trusty bicycle during a campaign doorknocking session.

Green Party candidate Shasha Khan has backed the Croydon Guardian’s Cops for Croydon campaign following the theft, which he said could have been avoided if more police were on the streets.

The 36-year-old was chatting to a woman on her doorstep in Bensham Manor just yards from his chained-up bicycle when the thieves struck.

Mr Khan said: “It’s really demoralising.

This is, unfortunately, Thornton Heath and this happens - this sort of thing happens in socially-deprived areas.

“The Tory’s plan (to fund 25 extra police) is a token move but it’s a step in the right direction.

“There’s an imbalance of crime, far more in the north of Croydon than in the south, so the north needs to have more beat officers.

“When you have got hotspots you need to divert police to them.”

The Croydon North candidate has borrowed a replacement bike from the husband of Croydon Central compatriot Bernice Goldberg for the rest of the campaign.

Mr Khan said he regretted using a lightweight lock instead of his more sturdy D-lock, which he left at home as his shoulder bag was full of campaign leaflets.

Anyone with information about the stolen bike - a black Gary Fisher - can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.