A brave shopkeeper was attacked with a hammer after foiling an attempted theft from his Harold Hill jewellers shop.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened at about 3pm on Tuesday last week, at Hands On Jewellery in Farnham Road.

Police said a man walked into the shop and asked to look at some rings, which were brought out from behind the counter.

He then tried to snatch them, but was stopped by the shopkeeper and two members of staff.

An argument began and the raider tried to steal a lamp from the shop counter, before being forced from the shop and out to the street.

He continued to struggle with the two men outside the shop before running to a car and returning with a hammer, hitting one of them before running off.

His victim was taken to Oldchurch Hospital, where he received treatment for a badly bruised wrist. Police are still hunting the attacker.

Sgt Mick Adamson of Harold Hill Police said: "This incident occurred in mid-afternoon in a busy shopping street, and somebody must have seen what happened.

''We would urge any witnesses to contact us on 01708 779625."

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