Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

Video Credit: CEN

This is the moment a screaming tourist is beaten by thugs as they rob him of his mobile phone in a popular area of central Barcelona.

The startling incident took place in the Gothic Quarter located in the city centre of the capital of Catalonia Region, eastern Spain, and was recorded by a local who witnessed the assault from their window above a narrow street.

In the video, a man can be heard screaming and is being pursued as he runs down the narrow street.

Picture Credits: CEN

The screaming man in a white shirt, reportedly a tourist, can then be seen grappling with a thug who wrestles him to the ground.

Another yob then runs up to them and kicks the tourist before snatching his mobile phone as a woman tries to stop them.

Local media report the thugs managed to escape with the victim’s phone.

A local resident told reporters: “That is the daily routine for the residents of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. A group of Northern African people stalking their victims like animals and then robbing them.”

The resident, who has not been named, asked authorities to respond to the situation which has reportedly become one of the major issues facing Barcelona’s residents.

A spokeswoman from the local police told reporters that an investigation has been launched into the case but no arrests have been reported.

It is unclear if the victim was injured in the incident.