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Upsetting video footage has emerged showing one of the victims in a headlock being threatened, as a young man, believed to be a migrant, jumps between seats to shout at two men. The men, who appear to be of Eastern European or Arabic origin – are also seen grabbing the German victims and shouting abuse at them. Tom Roth, of Munich, was travelling from Sendlinger Tor station to the Metro’s city centre terminal in broad daylight when he filmed the disgraceful scenes on his mobile phone. He says the incident happened after one of the migrants was rejected by a woman who he had placed his hand upon while they travelled on the train.

IG The group of men attacked after they were confronting over harassing a woman

I felt safer in Germany two or three years ago. I find that terrifying and sad Tom Roth, subway passenger

In response, he said the man smashed his hand against the train’s glass window which provoked an angry response from other passengers who requested him to stop. However one of the asylum seekers instead mockingly patted the German man on is head. And this sparked the violent exchange. Mr Roth wrote: “One of them, a young man, probably of Arab origin, bothered the woman. “He said something to her and asked: ‘Why will you not answer me on German?’ “She responded: ‘Because you asked me in English’. I think he had his hand on her back. She turned away and looked in my direction. “As the train continued, the asylum seeker struck the glass window full force. "I guess he was angry the woman rejected him. Several gentlemen shouted at him to stop.

IG The group of 'migrants' appeared to harass a woman passenger

“One of these men, in the four seats beside me, was then touched on the head by one of the asylum seekers wearing a brown jacket. He stroked his bald head, to mock him. "It was such disrespectful behaviour, the likes of which I have rarely seen before. ”The gentleman stood up right away. The asylum seeker then turned, approached the man and grabbed him by the neck. Everyone immediately became involved, with many trying to get in between the pair. “The man's attacker fell back in his four-seater. There were four asylum seekers now involved, staring at us and two other older gentlemen angrily. “There were about 10-15 people beside and behind me. The situation was brought under control. When the train reached the station I called the police. They said there was nothing they could do.” Tensions in Germany are at breaking point after hundreds of women were robbed, attacked or sexually assaulted during New Year celebrations outside Cologne cathedral by as many as 1,000 drunk, aggressive men described as of "Arab or North African origin". The scale and nature of the crimes in the city has been a disastrous torpedo to the heart of Chancellor Angela Merkel's open-door refugee policy and her popularity.

IG Tom Roth was travelling from Sendlinger Tor station to the Metro’s city centre

Having initially been hailed for her leadership over the escalating crisis after offering sanctuary to nearly 1.1million refugees fleeing war and persecution in Syria, the German supremo is now facing growing calls for stricter immigration rules. Mr Roth called for Mrs Merkel to take action. He added: ”I felt safer in Germany two or three years ago. I find that terrifying and sad. “I’m really sorry for the people who need help, but something must happen against the violent and disrespectful people among them. "Many Asylum seekers have no respect for women, no respect for men - not even the old - let alone our laws and the police.”

Cologne: Sex Attacks and Robberies Tue, January 12, 2016 Thirty-one suspects, including 18 asylum seekers, are under investigation over offences including sexual assault and theft in Cologne on New Year's Eve. Far right protestors in Lepzig have rallied against refugees and German chancellor Angela Merkel. Play slideshow Reuters•Getty 1 of 22 Protestors in Lepzig rally after over 100 women were sexually assualted on New Year's Eve