WATCH masked raiders brandishing machetes storm smoke-filled Wolverhampton jewellers
This is the moment four masked robbers raided a Wolverhampton jewellers - while a lookout brandishes a machete at passers-by.
Smoke filled the shop itself during the raid which took place yesterday lunchtime in footage posted online.
Police were called to Vikram Jewellers, in Dudley Road, after a 999 call alerted officers to raiders entering at around 1.05pm.
Detectives today called the raid a 'very frighting experience' for staff as they urged witnesses to come forward.
The shop owner, Mr Masson, activated a smoke fogging device to fill the store to disorientate the gang members inside.
He was inside the shop with his wife when the burglary took place.
WATCH masked raiders storm Wolverhampton jewellers
He said: "We were in the back and I just heard a big bang. I came rushing into the shop and saw a man breaking the bottom window of the front door.
"He came through the front door and then he smashed the glass on the inside door.
"I was behind the counter. He came into the shop and I shouted 'You shouldn't be here.'
"The other three men followed inside and one jumped over the counter.
"I pressed the alarm and the smoke button. They couldn't see anything then.
"One of the men who was standing by me smashed the glass counter on two of the displays with a battering ram. He put the trays of jewellery into his bag. It was trading hours so the trays were full.
"My wife was pulling me back to get away from them but I wanted to see what was happening. After a while they left."
It is understood the gang made off in a black vehicle with an unknown amount of jewellery.
Police today said several witnesses have been identified and officers are looking through CCTV from the scene.
But detectives are keen to hear from anyone else who saw the robbery or who may have recorded mobile phone footage of the raid.
Detective Constable Simon Williams, from West Midlands Police, said: “No-one was injured but clearly this would have been a very frightening experience for the staff; we need to find the people responsible quickly.
“If anyone saw what happened and has yet to speak to police, or suspects who may be involved, I’d urge them to contact us immediately."
Anyone with information is urged to call West Midlands Police’s Investigations Team at Wolverhampton Central police station on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
