Moment thieves escape Tesco store after smashing a ceiling and climbing over tills to rob tobacco counter - as a security guard films on his phone

This is the moment thieves smashed a ceiling and climbed over tills to rob the tobacco counter at a Tesco store.

The thugs are shown hacking down ceiling panels in order to seize cigarettes and alcohol at the supermarket in Forest Gate, Newham, east London.

A security guard is seen watching on and filming the incident on this phone, while the pair step over self checkouts to reach the area behind the counter.

A customer is heard saying Call the police right now, as the store is vandalised.

The clip also shows a concerned mother leading her two frightened children out of the shop. 

Thugs smashed into a ceiling at a Tesco store in Newham, east London on Thursday

The men, dressed in black coats and hoods, are then seen dashing out the store with bags full of stolen goods.

Online users reacted to the apparent lack of action from the security guard in the store.

Security forgot he was at work, one wrote.

Another said: Welcome to 2024 where crimes a recorded on phones instead of being prevented. 

Footage showed the group of thieves ransacking the areas behind the counter after climbing over self-checkouts in the store in Forest Gate

Metropolitan Police said it was investigating the incident which took place at around 7.20pm on Thursday.

A statement from the force said: Officers are investigating the theft of items from the Tesco store in Katherine Road, E7 at around 19:20hrs on Thursday, 12 September.

There has been no arrest but enquiries continue.

Anyone who may know the identity of those shown in footage of the incident, which is being shared on social media, should call 101 ref 6318/12sep. To remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers.

MailOnline has contacted Tesco for comment.