CCTV footage: Shop owner fights off knifeman with broom

Shocking footage has emerged of a shop owner fighting off a knifeman with a broom at a jewellers in Dagenham, London.

A man is pictured holding a woman at knife-point before the shop owner attempted to stop him, managing to avoid several lunges.

[Warning: Footage may be disturbing to some viewers]

The knifeman then looks to leave before slashing at the shopkeeper again in the shocking encounter. The shop owner then turns the tables on the attacker, hitting him with a broom until he leaves.    

Metropolitan Police are attempting to trace the suspect involved in the robbery which took place on 21 October in Harrolds Discount Jewellers along Dagenham Heathway.  He is described as being white, of stocky build with a shaved head.

[Related video: Man breaks into McDonalds for burger]

“This was a violent attack which left the shop workers extremely shaken,” Detective Chief Inspector Ian Corner said. “They acted with great courage to fight off the suspect and were lucky to have avoided being seriously injured. We need help from the public to trace this individual before he attempts to target someone else.”

Anyone who recognises the man or knows of his whereabouts have been asked to contact the Met’s Flying Squad in Barking on 020 8345 4226 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.