Thief in Rio has his hand chopped off by vigilante store owner (photos)

Prior to the Olympics in Rio, concerns were high about the city's reputation for violence and crime and it is fast living up to that reputation.

Disturbing video posted online shows a man writhing in pain in the pool of his blood after his hand was chopped off. Details of how the man met such a predicament is unclear but reports suggest he is thief attacked with a machete by a vigilante shop owner.

Other reports suggested the man had been attacked by a rival criminal for operating on his 'patch'.

Rio Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Reports have it the man tried to steal from a shop in Porto Alegre but was caught in the act by the owner who chopped off his hand with a machete.

Local media claim the man has a criminal record.

He is said to have been taken to hospital and is understood to be in a stable condition.

More photos and the video below...