A man who smashed the front window of a jewellers with a hammer fled the scene empty-handed after being chased down the street by the shop’s owner.

The attempted robbery at St. George’s Jewellers in Walthamstow High Street happened at 3.30pm on Monday when the street was busy with shoppers with young children.

The owner of 1st Choice clothing store who gave his name as Mr Patel said: “I was in my shop when I heard some banging.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The area outside the store was cordoned off by police. Photo: Sofia Ramos.

“I went outside and I saw a hammer on the floor and the window of the shop smashed.

“I saw the owner chasing someone down the street.

“There was glass on the ground and a crowd of people gathering outside. The shutters were pulled half-down.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed there have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

He said: “A man caused damage to the shop using a hammer before fleeing from the scene.

“At this early stage there are no reports of anything being stolen and a crime scene was in place.”