CHILLING footage shows the moment armed moped thugs snatched gold necklaces from the throats of two screaming women in broad daylight.

One man in a motorcycle helmet swiped at the victims, both in their 60s, with a machete before an accomplice arrives to help him confront the two women.

5 A man wearing a motorcycle helmet confronted the women

5 The gang struck in South London yesterday afternoon

5 The knife-wielding robber then ushers over accomplices

Two men attempted to help the victims and one, aged in his 70s, was injured as he was hurled to the ground.

Video filmed by an eye witnesses shows the two attackers jumping on to waiting mopeds and racing off with getaway drivers.

The horrifying robbery took place in Thornton Heath, South London, at around 3pm yesterday afternoon.

Scotland Yard has launched an investigation but no one has yet been arrested.

The elderly man was taken to hospital with head injuries.

He added: “Detectives in Croydon are appealing for information and witnesses after two women were robbed at knife-point of their gold necklaces in Thornton Heath.

“The women were approached by four men riding on two mopeds in Bensham Manor Road on Wednesday, 20 September at around 3.10pm.

5 The women can be heard screaming as they are surrounded by the gang

5 The gang then escaped on mopeds

One resident told the Standard: "My husband came rushing in and said there had been a commotion before an ambulance arrived and a man was wheeled out of the house opposite with bandages round his head.

“It’s shocking but it’s not unusual for round here. There have been a lot of muggings recently, and a lot of young men getting stabbed. It’s scary.”

“There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.”

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call Croydon CID on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC.