This is the moment a gang of masked bikers tried to ram a motorcyclist at speed during a theft attempt in south London.

The three men ambushed the victim and attempted to steal his motorbike in the middle of the day in Eltham Road, Lewisham, police said.

After chasing and almost slamming into the victim, they surrounded him and started issuing threats and abuse.

One of the thugs attempted to grab the keys from the ignition during the terrifying confrontation, before they eventually made off.

The footage was released by detectives today as they appealed for help identifying the culprits.

A Met Police spokesman said: “The suspects were very aggressive and their actions endangered the safety of other road users, the victim and pedestrians nearby.”

The incident happened on Sunday, April 24, at about 1pm.

Police described the first man as white, aged in his late teens or 20s. He was wearing a black crash helmet, black balaclava, blue jeans, a black jacket with an ‘OSX’ logo printed on the right sleeve and black and white trainers. He was riding a grey Yamaha T-Max scooter.

The second was white, of slim build, aged in his late teens or 20s. He was wearing all black bike gear and a black balaclava whilst riding a white Yamaha XJ6.

The third was also white, aged in his late teens or 20s, with blue eyes, wearing a black Oxford jacket, a black balaclava, blue jeans and black boots. He was riding a black Triumph Street Triple motorbike.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lewisham CID on 020 8284 8468 or via 101 quoting reference number 3209476/16. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.