Police are hunting a knife raider who injured a man during an attempted robbery at a Malmesbury jewellers this morning.

The raid happened at County Jewellers in the High Street at 9.45am.

Officers believe a man entered the store, which is run by owner Julian Middleton and only opened in teh town last October, and threatened staff with a knife. A man from a neighbouring shop came in and challenged him.

 

The man then fled the scene on a red sports type motorbike. It is not believed anything was stolen during the incident.

A man sustained minor injuries to his hand and staff in the shop were shaken by the ordeal.

 

Police arrived at the scene quickly and the force helicopter was deployed to help with the search.

PC Graham McLaughlin of the Malmesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team said “Although very unusual in Malmesbury, this was a very traumatic incident for the member of staff in the jewellers.

 

“We will be making every effort to identify the person involved and bring them to justice.

“From inquiries so far, we believe the bike and rider may have been in the area for some time prior to the attempt robbery. We would like anyone who saw the bike in the area or leaving Malmesbury shortly after 9:45am to contact us.”

 

Officers would like to speak to anyone who saw the motorbike in Malmesbury or anyone wearing a motorcycle helmet walking in the High Street this morning.

Anyone with information can contact the lNeighbourhood Policing Team at Malmesbury Police Station or CID at Melksham, by ringing Wiltshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 where information can left anonymously.