This is the moment two bungling thieves try to rob a woman without realising a police car is just around the corner, resulting in one of them legging it empty-handed and the other being nabbed.

CCTV footage shows how the incident unfolded in the neighbourhood of Novo Aleixo in the city of Manaus in the Brazilian state of Amazonas on the night of Saturday, 16th October.

The two men are seen riding the same motorbike and pulling up alongside a woman as she walks along the pavement of a deserted street.

The man riding pillion gets off, approaches the woman and tries to snatch her handbag from her. However, a struggle ensues as the woman fights back, defending herself with punches and kicks.

The biker and his vehicle are both seen falling to the road just as a police car patrolling the area turns the corner, sending the would-be thief legging it down the road.

Police officers are seen getting out of the car, and they are able to easily apprehend the motorbike rider as he lies on the ground.

The clip ends with the police car speeding down the road in search of the escaped would-be thief.

According to the news website Roma News, it did not take long for the officers to catch up with him and arrest him.

The suspects’ identities were not reported and it is not known what charges they face.

The news website Portal do Zacarias, reported that thefts are all too common in the neighbourhood and that local residents have asked the authorities to provide more security.