This is the shocking moment a young boy wielding a knife threatens passersby in the street in Russia and repeatedly thrusts the sharp blade at them.

The footage was shared online and shocked netizens, with the boy looking to be no older than 10 and reports indicating he may have been high on nicotine.

Local media reported it was not the first time the unnamed boy had threatened people near the Northern (Arctic) Federal University library, in the city of Arkhangelsk, northern Russia.

Locals have reportedly encountered him on buses, where he has exhibited similarly inappropriate and dangerous behaviour.

The young boy can be seen in the footage brandishing his knife and threatening passersby while subjecting them to obscene language.

Local media said the boy reportedly vaped an e-cigarette before threatening people, indicating he may have been experiencing a high from the nicotine.

Some people can be seen trying to avoid him, while others express fear and some try to confront him over his antics.

Many internet users commented on the situation after the footage was shared online on 6th October, with one saying: “If you recognise the boy, it’s essential to take responsibility for his upbringing and not allow him to roam the streets with a knife, threatening people.”

Another user said: “The child needs help, both in terms of education and psychology.”

While a third said: “The family should be located and held accountable. If they can’t provide proper education, they should be fined.”

A woman identified as Ulayana told Russian media: “During the spring, I met him on bus number 4.

“He did not threaten me with a knife, but he pulled me by the hair. He continued despite the fact that I had confronted him.

“In September, I saw him walking near the Europark shopping center, offering everyone to smoke his electronic cigarette and asking me to charge it.”

The identities of the boy and his eventual parents are currently unknown, although local media reports indicate that the regional Ministry of Internal Affairs is actively investigating the matter.