Armed robbers set fire to their car before storming Raj Jewels in Ealing Road

A witness to the robbery of Wembley jewellers saw nine men fleeing the scene carrying bags full of gold items.

Armed robbers brandishing hammers and crowbars set fire to their car before storming Raj Jewels in Ealing Road at around 11.50am today (Wednesday).

Greg Warren, who works in the Brent Labour group office opposite the jewellers, told the Times: “I heard a loud bang, and saw all this smoke coming out of the shop.

“My first instinct was that there had been a fire in the store, but then I saw a car on fire and around nine men ran out of the shop down Union Road carrying bags full of gold.”

Detectives investigating the robbery believe the gang created the fire as a diversion tactic while they threatened staff into handing over the Asian-gold jewellery worth thousands of pounds.

Mr Warren added: “The audacity was unbelievable, to do it in broad daylight and in full view.”

Store workers set off security alarms which released smoke into the store and police and fire crews were at the scene shortly after.

Larkha Kay, who has owned the store since 1991 described the attack, as ‘very sad’.

He said: “I arrived only a few minutes after the incident, its very sad but there is nothing we can do, I don’t know how much been taken.

“My staff were threatened and were scared, this happens to often in this area and it will happen again, people wont to come here any more this country is horrible.”

Cllr Krupa Sheth, who sent the dramatic images showing the car in flames to the Times, described the attack as ‘appalling’.

The Wembley Central councillor added: “We plan to organise a meeting with traders where they can air their concerns and fears they have.”

One man is being questioned after he was arrested at the scene while detectives from the Met’s Flying Squad are investigating the robbery.

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.