Laughing bystanders who filmed a robbery and posted it to social media have been condemned for failing to intervene.

Police confirmed that two men, one with a hammer, fled the McColl’s store, in Otley Road, Barkerend, with cash and cigarettes after a robbery at around 9:40pm.

No injuries were reported. 

Footage posted to social network Snapchat shows the raid taking place while a group of bystanders laugh, joke and give a running commentary of the incident.

"Look, it's your gran," one of the bystanders says as a clearly distressed female staff member is threatened by a masked man with a hammer who forces her to empty the cash register and fill a bag with cigarettes.

It is unclear whether the police had been rung at this point.

The video also shows several other onlookers – both inside and outside the store – watching impassively as the crime unfolds.

At one point, one individual seems more concerned with analysing the robber’s technique.

He can be heard saying: “He’s got no gloves on. He’s got no gloves on, the mad b*****d.”

The footage, spread on social media this morning, has led to widespread condemnation.

Asam Ali said: “Shame on the lads that are recording this. How can you stand there and watch a little rat wave a hammer at a woman, threatening her in that manner?

“It would be a whole different ball game if it was their family members behind the counter. Looks like it’s become a competition of who gets the footage first.”

He added: “I’m shocked to see so many lads hanging around outside the shop and even a man inside. Surely, they should have intervened and tried to stop this happening.

“I mean, there was no real danger. What is the worst the guy will do with a hammer when three or four of you try to apprehend him? Total different ball game if it was a gun, I can understand them not getting involved but that was not the case from what I can see.”

But a number of commenters on one Facebook post questioned the safety of intervening and even suggested the footage could be useful for evidence.

Mathew Bailey said: “By filming it the police can see exactly what happened. Some have said that maybe they should have intervened in the situation, however it is unclear from the footage the age of the person filming or the bystanders.

“The offender had a hammer as a weapon and I am in not doubt that had someone tried to stop him, he would have used it. The only thing they could have done is maybe try and talk him down.”

Yet, there still remains wide outrage at the behaviour of the individuals behind the camera, beyond intervening.

Towards the end of the footage, the camera is pointed towards a silver car outside the shop.

One individual laughs, while another says: “Look what they’re in, is this what they’re in?”

Shaz Khan said: “What happened is horrible. Onlookers should always try to help instead of exploit events like this for their 15 minutes of online fame.

“That being said, we don't know how many criminals were at the scene or whether the camera person actually called the police as well. Someone mentioned the word ‘police’ but it's hard to make out.”

He added: “They even identified the car belonging to the criminals but didn't seem to care to do anything about it. One thing is for sure, laughing at the situation shows a huge lack of compassion for another human being in trouble and they should all be ashamed of their attitude.”

A McColl’s spokesperson said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and customers is of utmost importance."

They added: "We are working closely with the relevant authorities in response to this incident.”

Police are continuing enquiries today and anyone who can assist is asked to contact Bradford District CID on 101, quoting crime reference 13180443835, or by using the live chat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website.

Information can also be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.