Jewels raid chase drama

A robbery at Romaze Jewellers, Latimer Street, was foiled by local residents.

A GROUP of youngsters and men chased three masked men who had tried to rob an Oldham jewellery store - and caught one of them.

The raid trio, armed with a sledge hammer, a battering ram, and a gun stormed Romaze Jewellers on the corner of Latimer Street yesterday afternoon and started to smash display cases in front of owner Rana Zia Ahmed and customers.

But local youths startled the robbers, who ran off. One was brought down on nearby Hardy Street after a chase. They handed him to police, who arrested the 25 year old on suspicion of armed robbery.

One witnes saw the men running out of the shop. He said: “There were three of them, wearing balaclavas. One had a gun and started waving it at us. He pointed the gun at me then ran off.”

A getaway vehicle was found abandoned in nearby Queens Road. Police are now appealing for witnesses.

Shop owner Mr Ahmed, a 47-year-old father-of-five, said: “I’m still very scared.”

Police sergeant Andrew Wheeler said: “I’d like to commend the bravery of the people who assisted police in detaining one of the suspects.

“I’d never encourage the public to take the law into their own hands but due to them we have been able to arrest a man on suspicion of armed robbery.

“I would urge anyone who saw the incident or believe they have information, to call us.”

Contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.