A terrifying video shows a machete-wielding thug bashing a shop where a rival was hiding, eyewitnesses claim.

The ordeal happened on Sunday (Aug 25) on London Rd in Thornton Heath.

A man, who witnessed the incident, said he had gone out with his girlfriend to grab a takeaway when he heard a commotion.

He quickly looked over and saw a young man lying on the ground next to his bicycle.

According to the eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, the injured man was being chased and limped over to hide in a nearby newsagent.

Video shows two men on a motorcycle riding around before one jumps off the bike and begins bashing at the shop's door with a huge machete.

Unable to break in, he eventually gives up and drives away.

The eyewitness said: "The limping guy was actually initially cycling along the road with a friend.

"When he fell off his bike and hid in the shop, his mate came up the street and told us not to worry and that the guys on the motorcycle weren't going to do anything.

"The friend then sped off and only reappeared once the guys with the machete had left."

Additional footage shows the injured man leaving the shop from under the metal shutters, limp over to his bike and attempt to get it moving again.

He added: "It looked to me like the wire had been cut on his bike, which is why he couldn't really get it moving again.

"He walked up the street towards us and that's when his friend reappeared.

"They started talking and I could hear the limping guy say he'd been 'chinged', which means stabbed.

"I'm pretty sure that's what happened to his leg, maybe mixed with the impact from his fall."

Police were called to the scene and arrived a minute or two after the two men had ridden away.

Further clips show an ambulance arriving on the scene, which the witness saw heading towards where the injured man was resting.

A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police said: "Police are aware of a video circulating online of an incident on Sunday 25 August in London Road, Thornton Heath.

"Officers responded to the incident but suspects had left the scene prior to their arrival.

"Enquiries are ongoing to trace the people on the motorbike. There have been no arrests at this time.

"Anyone who can help police with information is asked to call 101 quoting CAD4437/25AUG or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

The Metropolitan Police added today (September 4) that there have been no updates.