Chelsea jeweller 'lucky to be alive' after hammer robbery

Ian Towning was left with bruising across his body after the robbery

A jeweller who was injured by hammer-wielding robbers said he was "lucky to be alive" after his business was targeted last week.

Two masked men went into Bourbon-Hanby Arcade on Sydney Street, Chelsea, at about midday on 26 March, and smashed counters and threatened staff.

Ian Towning, 76, says he now cannot sleep after more than £100,000 worth of jewellery was stolen from the arcade.

The Metropolitan Police has appealed for witnesses to come forward.

• Jewellers injured by hammer-wielding robbers

Warning: this story contains images that some might find distressing

Mr Towning, who has featured on ITV and Channel 4 antiques television shows, said he was hit with a sledgehammer during the robbery, while his security guard Mark was hit on the back of his head.

He said he was working at the counter on jewellery repairs when the men entered the premises and began "smashing the place".

Mr Towning described the robbery as a "brutal attack"

"They pushed me to the floor. They beat me up. I got up. They've broken my teeth, they've damaged all my face," he said.

"These people have got away with a lot of money.

"I can't sleep at night because I'm thinking, 'My God, what have they taken, what have they done?'"

Mr Towning was treated at hospital for his injuries

Along with Mark and a third person, he was taken to the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for treatment.

"I am lucky to be alive," he said after praising the doctors and nurses who treated him.

"Mark has got such big damage to the back of his neck and head. It could've been very serious.

"But, luckily - thank God - he's going to be okay. But emotionally it affects you."

The Bourbon-Hanby Arcade specialises in antique jewellery

Mr Towning said although he wears a panic button around his neck all of the time, it did not help during the robbery.

"Even in a restaurant or wherever we have a panic button," he said.

"But by the time these people come to me, it's too late, they've done it, they've gone.

"So even a panic button doesn't really help."

Det Sgt Richard Hall, from the Metropolitan Police, said: "I am appealing to the public to help us identify any potential witnesses who may have seen the incident unfold.

"I am particularly keen to be provided with any dashcam footage or CCTV from the local area at the time. This may help us find our suspects."

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