Hammer-wielding men try to steal motorbike in Clifton

Three people wearing balaclavas and wielding a hammer have attempted to smash a lock off and steal a motorbike.

Dressed in black a group targeted the vehicle in Berkeley Square, Clifton in broad daylight at about 15:45 BST on Monday.

Local residents filmed the incident and attempted to stop the brazen thieves with one of the men going on to threaten a woman with the hammer.

Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for information.

Police are appealing for anyone who know the men or have any information on the incident to come forward

Two of the men were filmed trying to strike the lock on the motorbike for several minutes before the group fled the scene.

Onlookers threw a fire extinguisher at the group to try to stop them getting away before police arrived.

The video of the incident has since been seen by more than a million people on social media.

'Brave witnesses'

Avon and Somerset Police said: "We're appealing for witnesses and information after thieves trying to steal a motorbike threatened members of the public.

"The suspects - three young men on a motorbike - made off towards Park Street, deterred by the brave actions of witnesses who challenged them.

"The men are all described as white and wearing dark-coloured clothing with their faces covered."

Officers attended the scene, carried out a search of the area and took statements from witnesses, the force added.