The shocking mugging of an Italian boy by two grown-up migrants has become a flashpoint in Naples over rising crime rates.

Security video footage of the robbery emerged this week after it was passed to local politician Francesco Emilio Borrelli.

The councillor posted it online with a call for harder measures to tackle rising crime in the city.

In the footage, two migrants of African origin are seen roughly mugging a boy in the city centre in broad daylight.

As the lad walks along Piazza Enrico de Nicola his path is blocked by two men who shove him against a wall.

Then as he struggles, one clamps a hand over his mouth while the other flips him to the ground.

They both then forcefully rummage through his pockets for any cash or valuables.

Local media report that although the robbery took place in May, it has only just been seen by the public thanks to Councillor Borrelli’s post.

He said there is an “urgent need” for increased policing throughout Naples and referred to Vasto District as a “time bomb”.

Travel website Expedia describes the Vasto area as “not the safest district in the city.”

Borrelli – who said the video was forwarded to him by a shop owner – said of the video: “It is yet another episode that testifies to the level of crime in this neighbourhood and also throughout the city.

“Security is now zero, what are you still waiting for?

“The Vasto district is a time bomb, ready to explode at any moment.

“Now there is an urgent need for decisive and continuous action aimed at restoring law and security and improving the neighbourhood.

“More generally, Naples requires more officers in the area and a strengthening of the video surveillance network.”