A GANG of men allegedly terrorised beachgoers at Bondi early yesterday, threatening some with a broken bottle and punching and robbing others who had gathered to watch the sunrise.

Police arrested nine people after a number of victims were allegedly set upon about 5.30am.

One man was punched in the face before the group allegedly made off with a bag of cash and a passport from an onlooker.

media_camera Police lead one of the men away after he was arrested over the alleged attack.

Others allegedly had their belongings stolen while they slept off a big night on the beach.

Police questioned the victims before arresting two men sitting a couple of hundred metres away.

The rest of the group was arrested nearby after they became aggressive and hurled abuse at passers-by.

Several victims were allegedly robbed, some while they slept on the sand. Property recovered by police included smartphones and portable speakers. Paramedics treated one man for facial injuries.

media_camera Onlookers watch as police round up members of the alleged gang.

Backpacker Quentin Lavain said he stood up when he realised others nearby were being threatened by the gang.

In the ensuing melee his bag and passport were stolen.

He said he saw up to five men of African appearance involved in the incident, some wielding broken bottles in their hands.

media_camera One man was hit in the face during the alleged brawl.

“They tried to steal (from one man) and he defended himself, so they attacked him,” Mr Lavain said. “While they were attacking him ... (others) stole my bag with my passport and credit card.

‘‘I was just lying on the grass, and I stood up to make sure nothing happened to me and my friend. Then I turned around and came back about 10 seconds later and my bag was gone.’’

Three men were charged, while six were released pending inquires. Those charged include an 18-year-old from Auburn, a 19-year-old from Doonside and another 19-year-old from Victoria.

All three were refused bail and are due to appear in court today.