Video captured the moment a motorist took the law into his own hands – ramming his Land Rover into an alleged machete-wielding ‘thief’ in broad daylight.

Stunning footage shows the driver stop a suspected criminal in his tracks as he attempts to make-off with a stolen motorbike.

The bizarre encounter, which took place on Saturday at the Tulse Hill Sainsbury’s in Brixton was witnessed by passersby including a young girl with her parents.

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Onlookers can be heard gasping as the driver goes bonnet-first into the bike – causing its helmet-wearing rider to jump off.

Terrifyingly, a long machete then comes into view as the suspected thief runs back to the car park to grab his backpack.

He then swiftly leaves the area before the car driver is given another chance to ram him.

Footage in the aftermath of the incident shows the black motorbike laying on its side in the carpark with its front light still glowing.

Shouting can be heard before the driver of the Land Rover – who has briefly hopped out – runs back to the vehicle and re-starts the engine.

Onlookers can be heard gasping as the driver goes bonnet-first into the bike - causing its helmet-wearing rider to jump off
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Onlookers can be heard gasping as the driver goes bonnet-first into the bike – causing its helmet-wearing rider to jump off

Terrifyingly, a long machete then comes into view as the suspected thief runs back to the car park to grab his backpack
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View gallery

Terrifyingly, a long machete then comes into view as the suspected thief runs back to the car park to grab his backpack

At one point the suspected thief appear to run towards the driver's door - though he is soon sent running again after realising he is still at risk of being hit
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View gallery

At one point the suspected thief appear to run towards the driver’s door – though he is soon sent running again after realising he is still at risk of being hit

At one point the suspected thief appear to make his way towards the driver’s door – though he is soon sent running again after realising he is still at risk of being struck.

The Metropolitan Police said it responded to reports of a man with a machete at around 6.15pm on Saturday evening.

A spokesman added: ‘Initial reports stated that a driver had stopped to confront a man believed to be stealing a bike. When approached, the man allegedly threatened the driver with a machete.

‘The driver then reportedly drove into the man as he attempted to leave the scene on a motorbike.

‘Police arrived after three minutes but both parties had already left.

‘Shortly afterwards, a 19-year-old man was detained and arrested nearby on suspicion of common assault, grievous bodily harm, threats to kill, theft of a bike, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of an offensive weapon, driving while disqualified and possession of drugs.

‘The driver of the Land Rover contacted the police and is helping with enquiries.’

Anyone with information that could help police has been asked to call 101 quoting CAD 5785/28Mar.