*Warning: this article contains graphic pictures and descriptions of violence CCTV footage has captured the harrowing moment two men smashed a TV antiques dealer in the head before robbing thousands of pounds worth of jewellery. Ian Towning, 76, who appeared as a guest expert on Dickinson’s Real Deal on ITV and Channel 4 ’s Posh Pawn, said he was ‘lucky to be alive’ after the vicious attack. The ordeal happened last Tuesday lunchtime when two men wearing balaclavas burst into Bourbon Hanby Antiques Arcade in
Chelsea ,
London armed with hammers. In the security tape, the robbers are seen running into the business where they are approached by the shop’s security guard Mark Simmons, 58, who attempts to block them. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video After being challenged, the two men strike Simmons multiple times with the hammers and knock him unconscious. The footage then shows the robbers smashing a display cabinet containing expensive jewellery and are seen shovelling items into a black backpack. They next enter a room where they attack Towning and his business partner Les Barrett, 77, by punching and with a hammer before running out of the shop. The clip ends with Towning walking out of the antiques shop in a state of shock. Towning, Barrett, and Simmons were all taken to hospital after the raid and received treatment for their injuries which were non-life threatening, the Met
police said. Speaking to the MailOnline after the horrifying attack from his home in Surrey, Towning said: ‘I was lucky, my injuries could have been much worse, though I am still in a lot of pain. ‘It probably wasn’t until later I realised just how serious it was – the doctors said the hammer blows could have killed me.’ Emmerdale confirms major death as much-loved resident is attacked in 28 pictures Claire King reveals health condition that will stop her work in Emmerdale Paul O'Grady 'would have been absolutely appalled' over Lily Savage documentary suggestion Coronation Street confirms major scandal as exit is 'sealed' in 26 pictures He also added: ‘Since the robbery, people keep telling us that now is surely the time to give up, but we’re not going to let them beat us.’ The Met Police said in a statement that officers were called to
Sydney Street on Tuesday March 26 at 12:11hrs after two men entered a commercial property armed with hammers. The force continued: ‘The two men damaged property inside the shop and stole thousands of pounds worth of jewellery. ‘Officers identified three victims at the scene and they were taken to hospital to receive treatment after they sustained injuries during the robbery. Their injuries are non-life threatening.’ Detective Sergeant Richard Hall, who is leading the investigation, has issued an appeal for any potential witnesses who may have seen the incident unfold to come forward. Hall said: ‘I am particularly keen to be provided with any dash cam footage or CCTV from the local area at the time. This may help us find our suspects. ‘If you know anything, or have witnessed anything suspicious in the Sydney Street area at the time then please come forward to police by calling 101 stating CAD 2933/26Mar.’ Got a story? If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you. MORE : Terrifying moment Kate Garraway was revealed to be in hospital with ‘heart scare’ MORE : Terrifying moment snake slowly ‘chokes’ TV star live on-air: ‘I cannot move’ MORE : Terrifying moment Dragon’s Den contestant’s £100,000
Ferrari crashes before arrest for
BREAKING bail conditions