This is the shocking moment local residents tie a suspected motorbike thief to a tree and set him on fire where he writhes in agony before other people in the crowd tear free the burning clothing.

The incident took place in the town of Acapetahua in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas on the afternoon of Monday, 2nd August.

According to reports, a group of around 60 people attacked the suspected thief, whose first name was given as Antonio and who is believed to be 29 years old.

The local residents accused Antonio of being behind the theft of 10 motorbikes and they reportedly caught him in the act during his latest theft.

He had allegedly stolen a motorbike in the neighbouring town of Villa Comaltitlan and the group caught up with him in Acapetahua and detained him.

According to reports, police officers arrived on the scene. However, the angry mob that had formed prevented them from arresting the suspect.

The mob then tied Antonio up to a tree and set him alight, and amateur footage filmed at the scene shows how he writhes around in pain as the flames consume him.

The mob initially looks on before shouts of “that’s enough” and “bring water” are heard and a few people eventually come to his aid.

They can be seen in the footage removing his burning clothes, saving him from death, although he reportedly suffered third-degree burns during his extrajudicial punishment.

No further information was reported as to whether the police made any arrests after the violent act of mob justice.