LOCAL MP Sarah Olney has condemned the lack of police in the Royal Parks after it emerged a team of just two officers is responsible for both Richmond Park and Bushy Park.

The Richmond Park MP, who represents residents in areas of North Kingston, spoke out after several cyclists were attacked and robbed by a machete wielding gang while riding through Richmond Park earlier this month.

Ms Olney highlighted residents' fears in a letter to London's Deputy Mayor for Policing & Crime, Sophie Linden, on Friday.

She said that some are so alarmed that they have given up cycling in Richmond Park and the surrounding area and others are now no longer exercising at night.

The Lib-Dem MP noted that the criminals are "rarely, if ever, caught" and criticised the "modest" police presence in Richmond and Bushy Parks which are staffed by just two officers between 7am and 10pm.

"We have a duty of care to make sure residents feel safe, but given recent events and the relatively low levels of police resources, I fear we're failing to provide such assurances," she stressed.

She also said that too often police officers from the area are being taken away to deal with protests in other parts of the capital, and called for a stronger police presence in Richmond borough.

Her letter comes after at least 3 cyclists were targeted for their bikes by masked gang of attackers operating near the park's Roehampton Gate.

Two of the victims were threatened with machetes including international pro cyclist Alexandar Richardson who has since vowed to take the criminals to court.

Usage of Richmond park by cyclists has dropped by 80% since the robberies, according to data from excercise app Strava.