Jeweller hit as she tackles armed raiders

A BRAVE shop assistant was hit over the head by robbers armed with a gun as she tried to prevent a raid on a jewellery store in north London.

The woman was treated for head injuries following the robbery at Ital Gold Jewellery in Green Lanes, Harringay.

Local shopkeepers said the worker battled with one thug to stop him leaving the store shortly before 4.45pm on Sunday. “One guy took some stuff from the jewellery store before running away,” said a neighbouring trader.

“The staff member was trying not to let the other guy get away and wrestled and battled with him but he bashed her over the head.

“The automatic door shut so the man was stuck in the store. That’s where he was when police arrived.”

Another shopkeeper said: “It would have been scary and the woman was lucky to not to have been seriously injured.” The store sells gold, silver, and diamond jewellery and watches. Police could not confirm what was stolen.

A Met police spokesman said officers were called to the shop near the junction of St Ann’s Road, following reports of an armed robbery.

He added: “Two males are believed to have entered the premises and produced a firearm. A female, believed to be aged in her thirties, has been treated for head injuries after being assaulted by a suspect.”

A man was arrested and taken to a north London police station.

The spokesman said “attempts to locate an outstanding suspect” were continuing.

He has been described as white, in his twenties and wearing a blue hooded top and jeans.

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them via the non-emergency 101 number.