Bike-jacking victim Jay Tucker urged drivers to help out after suffering a cut lip and a sore tooth when he was attacked on Monday night.

The 16-year-old Mid- Ocean News intern had worked two summers in construction to save the cash towards the $2,595 Yamaha V50.

But after having it just two weeks the bike is missing and Mr. Tucker is nursing his wounds.

He says he may need further dental work and eating was difficult.

“I have to eat soup for my lunch,” he said.

The Lagoon Drive, Paget resident was riding on South Road, Devonshire near Collector's Hill at about 7.45 p.m. when someone shouted to him while standing at a bus stop.

He rode on until a bike came up near alongside the Botanical Gardens and the pillion passenger began lashing out.

“He was kicking my bike, he kept on kicking so I kicked back. This carried on back and forth, we both slowed down each time to control the bike until we eventually stopped.

“I was confused more than scared.”

Mr. Tucker got into a confrontation with the pillion passenger while the rider also dismounted.

“I was thinking the guy was a little bit out of it and wanted to pick a fight. He seemed so angry.

“I was wearing a helmet and I couldn't see him when he punched me from the side.”

Mr. Tucker remained on his bike. “He told me to get off, he kept saying it.

“I figured I wasn't going to fight back, especially since there were two of them.

“But when he motioned to punch me again I got off.

“Then he grabbed the bike as it was falling to the ground. It was still in gear. Even after he punched me I didn't really expect him to ride my bike away.”

The road was not that crowded when the confrontation started said Mr. Tucker.

Because he was punched from behind Mr. Tucker said it is difficult to give a description, although both men were wearing dark clothing.

“Next time I would grab my keys before I got off to slow them down until somebody came, especially since it was a busy street.”

He said if drivers stayed in their cars but kept a close eye during an attempted bike-jacking it might be enough to scare off the criminals.