Byline: KATIE DAVIES
TERROR Police outside David Hall Jewellers and, right, manager Margaret Smith and goldsmith Aaron O'ReillyAnyone with information is asked to contact police on 0345 604 3043 ext 69191, or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.Police are now carrying out inquiries into the incident to trace the culprits.Carrying a hammer, the robbers stormed David Hall Goldsmiths on Gosforth High Street, Newcastle, before attacking staff with the noxious substance."An incident such as this in the Gosforth area is unusual and we'd like to reassure people that we're doing everything possible to trace these two men."And as officers appealed for witnesses to come forward, workers at the shop told of their horror.Shop assistant Margaret Smith, 59, said: "I was just walking into the front of the shop. I looked up and I saw these two men. One pulled a scarf over his face and sprayed ammonia in the shop.Police cordoned off the area after the incident, which happened at around 9.30am, while forensics combed the area for evidence.Police were today hunting the two robbers after they left two shop assistants needing hospital treatment."One of them smashed the cabinet with the hammer. It was terrifying. I have worked here for 15 years and nothing like this has ever happened before. I just didn't know where to turn. I just panicked and shouted for the other staff. It has really shaken us all up."STAFF at a jewellers have told of the terrifying moment raiders attacked them with ammonia and made off with thousands of pounds worth of goods.Courageous assistant Paul Mason, who was sprayed in the face and was taken to Newcastle's RVI, still managed to chase after the pair as they fled down an alleyway near to the shop. Shop worker David Turner was also taken to hospital and the remaining five workers were uninjured.Det Insp Don Gibson, Newcastle CID, said: "We were called this morning after a report of a robbery at a jewellers in Gosforth. Officers are currently at the scene and we are making extensive inquiries into the incident in an effort to trace the two men responsible.The robbers made off down an alleyway between Adriana's takeaway and Ahad Indian restaurant. Paul, along with goldsmith Aaron O'Reilly, 27, who was also working at the shop, chased the attackers down the street.Aaron said: "We ran after them but we couldn't see a thing in the shop because of all the ammonia. They ran off down the lane and towards the park. They must have had a car parked somewhere down there to get away.""This includes speaking to witnesses, checking CCTV and following many lines of inquiry. The investigation is in the very early stages and I must stress that we are still trying to establish the exact circumstances.CAPTION(S):
TERROR Police outside David Hall Jewellers and, right, manager Margaret Smith and goldsmith Aaron O'Reilly
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