A viral video has captured the moment a suspected phone snatcher narrowly escaped serious injury after a failed theft attempt in slow-moving traffic.

The footage, which began trending on Thursday, shows the suspect, reportedly riding a motorcycle, stretching into a vehicle through an open window in an apparent attempt to snatch a mobile phone.

The attempt, however, backfired when the vehicle’s occupant reacted swiftly, holding on to the suspect and preventing him from making a clean escape as the car continued moving.

In the video, the alleged thief is seen struggling desperately to free himself while dangling dangerously close to the road, drawing the attention of nearby motorists and passersby before the situation was eventually brought under control.

The incident has once again sparked conversations online about the growing menace of phone snatching in traffic, particularly in congested areas. It has also reignited debates over the dangers faced by motorists and commuters, especially when victims attempt to resist such attacks. (PUNCH)