Robbers stole thousands of pounds of gold in a daylight raid on a London jewellery shop before fire-bombing a car to cover their escape.
Staff cowered in terror as the black-clad gang of 10 used hammers to ransack the Wembley store.
The raiders, wearing balaclavas and carrying rucksacks, struck just before noon yesterday. They were dropped off at Raj Jewels by car and threatened staff after smashing their way in.
It is not yet known how much of the 22-carat Asian gold jewellery was stolen from display cases, but the robbers are thought to have been partly foiled by an emergency alarm, which pumped the shop full of smoke.
The gang grabbed valuables then ran out, fire-bombed a second car parked outside after dousing it in petrol and fled on foot along side streets, possibly to a getaway car. No one gave chase.
It is unclear who owns the torched car, which detectives believe may have been set ablaze as a diversion.
The flames combined with the shop smoke brought chaos to Ealing Road.
Raj Jewels manager Kalpreh Lakha said: “It was a smash-and-grab. Ten people came in and our staff were very scared but luckily no one got hurt.”
Witness Greg Warren, of Central Heating Systems opposite the jewellers, said: “I heard the car crash up the pavement into the front of the building and saw people run into the store.
“The smoke went off and after about a minute they ran out again. Then they set the car alight before running off. It exploded before police got there and before the area was cordoned off.”
Khimdas Bapu, who runs Naklank Sweet Mart, said: “A well-dressed man and several accomplices ran into the shop. Each aimed for a separate counter, smashed the glass, and grabbed what they could.”
The store is one of the biggest jewellers in Ealing Road and is opposite a mosque. Traders say jewellers there, many Sri Lankan or Indian, have previously been targeted by Tamil gangs.
Councillor Krupa Sheth said: “The gang couldn’t ram-raid because of bollards but a lot of damage was done. This is the fourth jewellery raid here in six months.”
The Flying Squad is investigating and a man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery.
