Hero driver rams Land Rover into machete-wielding motorbike thief and chases him off
Footage shows the moment the motorist used his Land Rover to stop the suspected crook in a busy Sainsbury's car park in Brixton, South London
A heroic driver has been praised for stopping a machete-wielding thief from stealing a motorbike by ramming into him with his car.
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Footage shows the moment the motorist used his Land Rover to stop the suspected crook in a busy Sainsbury's car park in Brixton, South London.
As the helmet-clad thief appears to attempt to start the bike, the driver reverses his 4x4 out of the space and heads in his direction.
WARNING: The footage contains strong language/swearing
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The fast-approaching car causes the suspected criminal to flee off the bike and fling his rucksack into the air just before he is mowed down.
While the motorbike lies damaged on the floor, the thief can be seen returning to collect his bag with a long knife in hand, all while nearby shoppers watch on in shock.
But the driver reverses once again, beeps at the suspected crook, and sends him running out of the car park.
As both leave the scene, witnesses go to check on the bike, which has been left lying on its side with debris scattered across the entrance to the shop car park.
The feud between the driver and the rider was taken out into a nearby street, where the pair appeared to clash.
Met Police officers were called to reports of a man with a machete at around 6.15pm on Saturday evening.
A 19-year-old was arrested shortly afterwards on suspicion of common assault, grievous bodily harm, threats to kill and theft of a bike.
He was also detained on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, possession of an offensive weapon, driving while disqualified and possession of drugs.
A spokesperson for the Met said: "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."
The force has urged anyone with information on the incident to get in touch quoting reference CAD 5785/28Mar.