JEWELLERS INJURED BY HAMMER-WIELDING ROBBERS

Three people have been injured by hammer-wielding robbers who stole thousands of pounds worth of jewellery in North London.

Two masked men went into the shop on Sydney Street in Chelsea at about midday on Tuesday, Met Police said.

They smashed counters, threatened staff and hit a man in the back of his head with a hammer.

Three people were taken to hospital. Their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening, the force added.

Nearby workers said the robbery took place at Bourbon-Hanby Antiques Arcade which specialises in antique jewellery.

'Smashed up counters'

Stuart Fisher, a chef at the Market Place Restaurant, said he had been shown CCTV of the incident.

He said the robbers had what looked like a "claw hammer and a 5lb hammer".

"Two guys came in and started smashing up the counters. One of them went for one of the men in the shop, hit him with the hammer on the back of the head," Mr Fisher said.

He added that there were five or six police cars at the scene after the robbery, including armed officers.

Det Sgt Richard Hall, from the Metropolitan Police, said: "I am appealing to the public to help us identify any potential witnesses who may have seen the incident unfold.

"I am particularly keen to be provided with any dash-cam footage or CCTV from the local area at the time. This may help us find our suspects."

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2024-03-29T14:52:54Z dg43tfdfdgfd