VANCOUVER - Vancouver police are investigating a disturbing smartphone video of an incident on the Granville Strip where a man appears to pay another man cash to kick him in the groin while a rowdy closing-time crowd howls and cheers.

The man then chased after the victim and took back the cash, according to bystanders.

Sgt. Randy Fincham said officers were not called out to the scene in the Granville Street Entertainment District Sunday evening for that particular incident, but added that police are taking the contents of the video seriously and it will be reviewed by investigators.

"The video is very disturbing. We have referred the incident to an investigative team for review," Fincham said, in an email.

In the video, a man repeatedly tries to kick another man in the groin while asking him if he "wants his f — ing money." Then a second man steps forward and says, "I'll do it," and the heavy-set assailant does the same to the next man.

After several attempts, a heavy blow hits the man square in the groin. As the victim reels backward from the punt, the assailant can be seen chasing the victim across Granville Street, where he falls to the ground. Then the video cuts out.

Jens Petersen, who told The Sun he knew the victim, was standing near The Roxy when the commotion began on the sidewalk in front of the popular nightclub.

Petersen said the assailant had paid the victim to kick him. But after he chased and caught up with the fleeing victim, the assailant took back the money.

Riley Speers, who posted footage of the incident to YouTube, told The Sun it all took place around 3 a.m. when the clubs let out.

Speers said he did not believe the assailant came out of The Roxy, but rather approached the area alone from somewhere down Granville Street. He said he thought the man did take back the money he paid before he left the area.

Several other people witnessed the victims receive kicks. Many people laughed while some shot video with their smartphones. Their howling continues as the man chases the victim down the street.

The anonymous person who sent the video to The Sun said he was horrified by what happened and he hoped the police would investigate the incident as an assault.

The video may be difficult for some people to watch.

ticrawford@vancouversun.com

mattrobinson@vancouversun.com