Police are appealing for witnesses after the robbery at Thurlow Champness jewellers, in Abbeygate Street, Bury St Edmunds, at around 4.35pm on Saturday.

The thief initially entered the shop and asked to look at three Rolex watches, according to a spokeswoman for Suffolk Police.

There was then a struggle and the man, who was carrying a baton type weapon, assaulted two members of staff before running out of the store.

It is believed a number of shoppers tried to chase the robber, but failed to stop him. The driver of a small blue new-style car also tried to pull out in front of the bicycle in an attempt to stop him.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who tried to stop the thief, including the driver of the car, and anyone who might have found items of clothing or a mountain bike in the area.

The robber is described as white, of medium build and wearing dark clothing, possibly with a light-coloured baseball cap.

Staff at the family-owned jewellers, which has been at the site since the first half of the 20th century, declined to comment.

In July 2007, two men were sentenced for an attempted burglary at the jewellers.

Anyone with information should contact Det Sgt Alex Matthews at Bury CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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