Shocking moment superbike theft by hammer-wielding thugs is foiled in central London
Have-a-go-heroes take on pair of tooled-up-thieves as they try to make off with £20,000 Ducati
THIS is the terrifying moment two armed thieves were foiled by have-a-go-heroes as they tried to steal a 180mph superbike from one of the poshest streets in London.
The two helmeted crooks were spotted in Soho Square using an angle grinder to cut the security lock off the £20,000 Ducati Panigale 1199.
But before they could make off with the Italian dream machine, several heroic men jumped in to take them on.
One man even risked his life as he approached the pair - armed with the high-powered grinder and a hammer - and shouted 'why are you doing this?'
The have-a-go-hero only backed off when one of the men screamed at him 'don't f*** with me. I'm telling you straight..... I will kill you'.
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After finally cutting the lock free, the men jumped on the superbike and a moped and sped off.
However, before they could make a clean getaway the youth on the moped was shoved into the side of a parked white van while local builders chased down the thief on the stolen bike.
He was finally forced to abandon the motorbike and jump on the back of his pal's moped before speeding away from the chasing mob.
The video of the incident, said to have taken place on Tuesday, has already attracted more than 11,000 views on YouTube.
Many off those that have watched the video heaped praise on the have-a-go-heroes for their actions.
Jammie Dodger Vlogger wrote: "Good on them for stopping them getting away in the end, but come on there was enough people there to catch these low life scum....... something need to be done to stop them and fast.
"All the UK bikers should turn up in force and demand the police to take us seriously and to start acting."
Bikers Quest added: "Nice, maybe the thieves will start thinking twice now."
Last week we revealed amazing footage of a man chasing down motorbike thieves wearing nothing but his pants.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the force was investigating the incident.
He said: "Two males, a rider and a pillion passenger, were seen driving around the locations on a moped acting suspiciously.
"They attempted to steal a motorbike in Soho Square and a short while later stole a black Ducati motorbike in Manette Street. The stolen bike was later recovered.
"The suspects are described as white and Mediterranean appearance and aged in their 20s."
Anyone with recordings of the offences, or any information, is asked to contact detectives at Westminster police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.