CCTV released after attempted robbery at jewellers in Southend

Detectives hunting for two men after an attempted robbery at a jewellers in Southend have released a CCTV image.

Two men entered Mallard Jewellers on the high street just after 10am on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 and threatened staff with a hammer before leaving without stealing anything.

The men drove off in a blue Peugeot 106 and armed officers carried out a search of the area, supported by their colleagues from the force’s Air Support Unit, but to no avail.

Investigating Officer, Dc Luke Dangerfield, said: "This must have been a scary episode for the staff at this jewellery shop and thankfully nobody was injured.

"The robbery caused quite a commotion so this will have attracted people walking down the high street. Furthermore, one of the attackers was carrying a chequered-style laundry bag as they ran away and into the car.

"These two men covered up their faces fairly well, but we’re hoping the release of the CCTV will jog people’s memories of the crime.

"We know a lot of shoppers saw the smoke emanating from the shop and we’re trying to attract those witnesses who saw these two men either walk into the shop or speed off in the blue Peugeot.”

Both assailants are described as white. One was dressed in black clothing and the other was dressed in grey.

Anyone with information in connection with this attempted robbery is urged to contact detectives at Southend police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.