Scene of the attempted robbery, credit: @MarchantMI6

Speaking to The Telegraph, the man, who asked not to be identified, said:

“It was like watching a scene from a Guy Ritchie movie. These guys screamed up on the scooters and two of the pillion passengers jumped off and tried to smash their way into the displays with yellow axes. I think they grabbed a few watches.

"I waited for a second because I wasn’t sure they had guns and when they tried to zoom off I grabbed one who was driving by the hoodie. Not putting his hoodie up was a fatal mistake as it gave me something to get hold of.

"He swore at me and I managed to yank him off his machine. I thought ‘this is my bloody city – why should thugs like this get away with it?"

Scotland Yard released the following statement:

"Shortly before 1pm on Tuesday March 11 a number of suspects on motorcycles believed armed with axes and hammers attempted to rob a jewellers in Victoria Street, SW1.

It is believed they were unsuccessful and fled the scene. One suspect was detained at the scene whilst others made off towards Belgrave Square.

Westminster Borough officers are at scene and an investigation is under way."

(Main image: Veronica Smith)

Axe-wielding robber stopped by bystander