An American tourist was attacked by angry locals for allegedly stealing waves from them while surfing in Bali.

Elijah, 33, was riding a motorcycle with his wife, Nicole, when he was reportedly set on by the thugs in central Lombok on Sunday.

The group of around eight suspects were said to have bludgeoned the surfer with wooden weapons as he was returning to a villa, leaving him bleeding and bruised.

Footage shows Elijah confronting one of the attackers at the lodging, asking him: 'Why did you try to kill me? You're a b***h, you're a coward.'

The holidaymaker was treated at a hospital for wounds to his head, fingers, and face.

The villa owner later helped them file a report with the local police.

Police later arrested eight suspects. Praya Barat Police Chief AKP I Made Sugiarta said the attack stemmed from a misunderstanding between a 34-year-old Brazilian surfer who had dropped in on a wave and snaked a 26-year-old local tour guide.

The tour guide reportedly held a grudge but mistook Elijah for the Brazilian.

The police chief said: 'All suspects are being held at the Central Lombok Police Headquarters for intensive questioning, but none have yet been officially charged and are still being questioned as witnesses.

'The incident originated from a misunderstanding between a 34-year-old Brazilian national, M, and a 26-year-old local tour guide, LFA, who clashed while competing for waves while surfing.

'The dispute was initially mediated but did not reach an agreement. After the failed mediation, LFA and several friends gathered at the Selong Belanak crossroads to wait for M. However, the group mistakenly targeted two other foreign nationals passing by on motorcycles, including the American.

'The suspects, along with their friends, chased the victims to the Pandan Villas area and assaulted them with bare hands and wooden sticks, causing injuries to the face, head, and fingers.'

After being detained, the attackers admitted what they had done and apologised during a police mediation.

Both sides reportedly agreed to a settlement on October 21, with the suspects agreeing to pay Elijah's medical expenses of 15 million IDR (676 GBP). They were also required to show up at the police station every Monday and Thursday.

Luk Luk Il Maqnun, head of criminal investigation of the Central Lombok Police, said: 'We strive to prioritise peaceful resolutions, if both parties are willing, in order to maintain public order and security stability and good relations between local residents and tourists visiting Central Lombok.'