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In a heart-stopping scene captured on video, a brazen thief stole a man’s car while the owner made a desperate attempt to thwart the theft by jumping onto the bonnet.

The incident, which unfolded on Romford Road in East London, showcased the audacity of the thief as he reversed a black BMW down the street while the owner clung onto the vehicle’s bonnet in a bid to prevent the theft.

Footage shared on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, depicted the dramatic scene as bystanders shouted in disbelief and attempted to intervene. At least four individuals were seen chasing the car on foot, while another onlooker voiced their shock at the unfolding events.

The Metropolitan Police has been contacted for comment on the incident, which occurred amidst a series of troubling incidents in the area.

Last August, police responded to reports of a stabbing on Romford Road following a fight involving multiple individuals. A man in his 20s was hospitalized with stab wounds, with another individual arrested in connection to the incident.

In a separate incident in October, police offered a £20,000 reward for information after the body of Roy Bigg was discovered in a freezer at a disused pub along the same road. The 70-year-old’s remains were found by builders, with a post-mortem examination unable to ascertain the cause of death.

Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command appealed for information, stating, “Roy went missing in February 2012. We believe that his body may have been in the freezer for several years… Where was he between 2012 and 2021?”

The recent car theft serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in urban areas, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the community to address criminal activity and ensure public safety.

As investigations into both incidents continue, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing those responsible to jus