VIDEO: Watch thief attempt to steal Porsche by cutting into its roof

A would-be thief has been caught on camera cutting open the roof of a Porsche and trying to drive the convertible away in front of passers-by in the street.

The man can be seen peering through the windows before taking a folding knife out of his pocket and slicing a hole in the top of the car, which was parked on a road in Mayfair, London.

He then climbs in to the red motor, setting off the alarm, and tries to drive it away.

The incidents all occurred on September 29 and police have released the CCTV today in a public appeal.