Staff threatened with handgun in jewellery store raid

Members of staff have been threatened with a handgun during a raid at a luxury watch store in Buckhurst Hill, Essex.

Police were called yesterday (Tuesday, 10 January) at around 5:30pm to Luxe Watches on Queens Road after a member of staff was threatened by two men and was forced to hand over jewellery, including a number of watches.

One suspect had a tattoo sleeve on one arm, and was wearing black rimmed glasses, a long navy woollen coat and a light blue shirt. He is described as 25 years old, black, approximately 6ft tall and of slim build.

Essex Police said he is believed to have been carrying a handgun which he used to threaten the shop’s staff.

The second suspect was described as mixed race, around 20-years-old, of slim build with afro hair. He was wearing a light shirt and beige jeans and was carrying a rucksack which was light in colour.

Following the robbery, one of the suspects smashed the glass in the shop’s door with a hammer. They then made off on foot down Queens Road, through an alleyway which connects to Westbury Lane.

There were three staff members in the shop during the robbery, with police confirming that none were hurt.

Essex Police has urged anyone with information to call Loughton CID on 01279 641212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.