THIS is the shocking moment a cyclist is punched in the face by hooded bike thieves as horrified bystanders look on.

In harrowing footage, the man clings desperately to his bike as yobs kick him on the ground.

5 Shocking moment a thief smashes a cyclist in the face as he wrestles with him for his bike Credit: JP

Several onlookers stand around watching - while one films the drama on their phone.

A man in a dark business suit tries to intervene but fails to hold back the three thugs as they hit the victim in the face in the attack that is believed to have unfolded on Oxford Road in Manchester.

At one point he tries to grab one of their arms, but is easily shrugged off.

At least six people are watching the attack as the muggers walk away without the victim's silver and red bike.

5 The cyclist clings on to the bike as three men try to rob it Credit: JP

5 A suited man can be seen trying to intervene, but is easily brushed off Credit: JP

5 A woman filming the drama tries to get the yob's face Credit: JP

5 The attackers casually walk away as the witnesses check on the victim Credit: JP

One of the yobs is filmed casually picking up his own bicycle, which he flung to the ground before the assault.

The person filming, a foreign female, tries to get a clear shot of the muggers' faces but is shoved away.

The trio of muggers then walk off as crowds of witnesses check on the victim.

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Facebook group UK Motorcycle Theft Protest Community posted the footage, which has been viewed hundreds of times.

It is not clear when the footage was shot.

Sun Online has contacted Greater Manchester Police.

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