Shocking moment thief climbs over shop counter and grapples with female worker before stealing 700 iPhone from store in east London [Video]

A brazen shoplifter has been caught on camera grappling with a terrified female shop assistant after he leaned his entire body over the counter to grab an expensive mobile phone.

Now the outraged owner of Apple Tech London in Forest Gate claims despite calling 999 in the moments after, no officers have yet attended because ‘they don’t have time.’

The thief, who dressed in a black helmet and cycling gear, carried out the shameless action on Thursday at around 2.30pm.

Apple Tech London said the man forcibly took an  iPhone 14 Pro Max, which has a starting price of around £700.

CCTV from inside the store shows the man entering the premises and chatting with the assistant for around a minute. 

He looks relaxed, crossing his arms over the top of the counter as the assistant points to various items.