These images show police officers in Mexico City protecting a man accused of stealing GBP 6,500 from local sweet shop owners after a large mob gathered to try to lynch him, injuring two officers in the process.

The scenes were filmed in Barrio Guadalupe in the municipality of Iztapalapa in the Mexican capital Mexico City, and the footage was widely shared by local media on 25th September.

The Mexico City Ministry of Citizen Security (SSC) said residents of Barrio Guadalupe tried to lynch the suspect after he allegedly robbed MXN 180,000 (GBP 6,522) from local sweet shop owners along with an armed accomplice.

The police arrived on the scene after receiving reports of two armed men fleeing onto the roof of a nearby shoe shop.

A helicopter was sent to track their movements from the air as officers tried to persuade them to turn themselves in.

Officers captured one of the suspects and seized a handgun, ammunition, and some of the stolen cash, according to the news site Infobae.

However, his accomplice managed to get away and remains on the loose.

Local media said residents tried to lynch the suspect as the police brought him down from the rooftop, causing a struggle with the cops and leading to the suspect suffering blows.

Officers were forced to flee into a nearby shop to protect themselves and the suspect, and call for backup.

According to Infobae, the mob grew in size and attacked the shop with sticks and stones and attempted to break down the door.

Backup police teams arrived on the scene and managed to restrain the mob until the suspect was able to leave with a long line of officers to face charges at the police station.

Reports said two officers were injured by the mob and needed medical treatment from paramedics at the scene.

The cops were sent to hospital to receive further treatment for their non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation and manhunt for the second suspect continue.