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Man relives terror robbery
A BLACKPOOL jeweller has vowed to go on after being attacked by a mindless hammer-wielding thug.
The raider entered his Jagar Jewellers on Cedar Square and told James Connaughton he had a gun before producing a claw hammer and swinging it wildly at the shocked owner.
Crazed hammer thug caught on CCTV
The masked robber – who came into the shop with an accomplice acting as a lookout – then demanded keys to cabinets.
When the brave jeweller refused, the thug took another swipe at him with the deadly instrument before smashing open counters and grabbing jewellery.
Mr Connaughton, 54, who has been in business in the resort for 30 years, said: "I'm never one to put Blackpool down and I realise there are much worse places but when you look outside it's difficult to see how things will improve.
"We are a bit worried about reopening but you can't let these people win.
"I don't know how we will feel when we are open again, you can't know until you are in that position again.
"We have had things stolen before and a tray of rings snatched but nothing like this. He was aggressive and violent throughout and I think that's what robbers must do to get what they want, carry that threat of violence.
Security
"The Krays got where they did by being willing to go further than anyone else.
"We will be reviewing our security but always thought we had the correct procedures in place for the amount of valuables we had on the premises.
"Jewellers regularly look at security issues and we will be changing how ours work after this."
The attack took place at around 2.45pm on Tuesday as Mr Connaughton was working on some jewellery at the back of the store.
As the raid continued, the brave jeweller put himself between the robber and his wife so she would not be injured.
She was later treated by paramedics for shock.
Mr Connaughton told The Gazette he had "felt the hammer go past his face" as the crazed raider took a wild swipe at him.
It is thought the man with the hammer and his accomplice ran off towards Talbot Road bus station, possibly down Topping Street.
Police said the robber armed with the hammer was a white man, around 5ft 6in tall and of slim build. He possibly had dark or black hair.
He wore a grey, long-sleeved hooded top with the hood pulled up and a scarf around his face. Over this was a black sleeveless bodywarmer-style garment which may have been part of the other top.
Anyone with information can contact Blackpool Police on (01253) 293933 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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Weather for Blackpool
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
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