Three people were injured during a dramatic robbery at a Chelsea pawnbroker on Tuesday, when two masked men armed with hammers smashed counters and stole thousands of pounds worth of jewellery.
The incident occurred at Bourbon-Hanby Antiques Arcade on Sydney Street at around midday, according to the Metropolitan Police. The suspects threatened staff and struck a man on the back of the head with a hammer.
Three victims were taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. Witnesses reported seeing five or six police cars at the scene, including armed officers.
Stuart Fisher, a chef at a nearby restaurant, said he viewed CCTV footage showing the robbers wielding what appeared to be 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,' he said.
Detective Sergeant Richard Hall appealed for witnesses and dashcam or CCTV footage from the area. 'I am appealing to the public to help us identify any potential witnesses who may have seen the incident unfold,' he said.
