LONDON (AFP) - Former world champion boxer Amir Khan has revealed that he was robbed at gunpoint in London on Monday (April 18).

The 35-year-old said his wife Faryal and him were safe after the incident, in which he had a watch stolen after being confronted by two men with a gun.

"Just had my watch taken off me at gunpoint in East London, Leyton," the British fighter tweeted.

"I crossed the road with Faryal, luckily she was a few steps behind me. Two men ran to me, he asked for my watch whilst having a gun pointed in my face. The main thing is we're both safe."

A statement from the Metropolitan Police said: "Police were called at 21:15 on Monday, April 18 to High Road, Leyton.

"A man aged in his 30s is alleged to have been approached by two males who threatened him with a firearm before stealing his watch and fleeing. There were no reports of any shots fired or any injuries.

"Police responded and conducted an area search. At this very early stage there have been no arrests. An investigation has begun and police are following a number of inquiries."

Khan, the former World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation light-welterweight champion, was beaten by fellow Briton Kell Brook in a sixth-round stoppage in Manchester in February.