ITV star attacked by masked hammer thugs who stole thousands of pounds worth of jewellery from store
A CELEB antiques dealer was attacked by hammer thugs who stole thousands of pounds worth of jewellery from his store.
Ian Towning, who has appeared on Dickinson’s Real Deal, was behind the counter of the shop in Chelsea, South West London, when the thieves burst in.
The masked gang managed to steal jewellery and antiques after smashing glass display cabinets, Mail Online reports.
Police confirmed three people were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries following Tuesday’s raid.
Workers on Sydney Street said the robbery took place at around midday at Bourbon-Hanby Antiques Arcade.
Stuart Fisher said the raiders had what looked like a “clawhammer and a 5lb hammer”.
The 53-year-old added: “Two guys came in and started smashing up the counters.
“One of them went for one of the men in the shop, hit him with the hammer on the back of the head.
“(The victims) were literally on the floor cowering.
“On the way out, the one guy went to have another go (at the victims) and the other pulled him off.”
It is the second time Towning, who has also appeared on Channel 4‘s Posh Pawn, has been attacked by robbers at his store.
In 2008, the vintage jewellery expert was left covered in blood after confronting a gang wielding sledgehammers and a gun.
Towning, who was left with damaged teeth and a broken jaw, later revealed one of the robbers called him to apologise.
He said: “I received a phone call from the man who said he was the one responsible for the attack on me personally.
“He said that he had changed, and that he was only 16 years old at the time, and that his life in prison – he served four of eight years – had made a new man of him. He was now married and settled with a job, he then asked me to forgive him for what he had done.
“I said that I had moved on, I had my jaw repaired and my teeth fixed and that life goes on and yes I did forgive him and I hold no malice towards him.”
The Met confirmed they were still hunting the two robbers as they appealed for information.
Detective Sergeant Richard Hall, who is leading the investigation, 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 dash-cam footage or CCTV from the local area at the time. This may help us find our suspects.”
Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting CAD 2933/26Mar.”