Two men who attempted a smash-and-grab raid at a Salford jewellers last week are being hunted by police.
The suspects rode into Salford Precinct, Mather Way, at about 4.20pm on July 26 on a motorbike and approached a jewellery shop.
The pillion passenger, armed with a sledge hammer, ran towards the shop and repeatedly smashed the glass display window in front of terrified shoppers and children while the other man waited on the bike.
After several failed attempts to smash the glass the man ran back to the bike empty handed and the pair sped off through the precinct, onto Pendleton Way and Bolton Road.
The motorbike was later found abandoned on Malvern Close, Pendlebury.
Detective Constable Susan West, based at Pendleton Police Station, said: “The bike was driven erratically within a pedestrianised zone and it is lucky no one was seriously injured.
“The sight of a man running through the precinct with a sledge hammer must have been terrifying for shoppers, many of who had children.
“We have spoken to a number of witnesses but are still keen to talk to anyone else who may have seen what happened.
“Unfortunately we only have basic descriptions of two men wearing helmets so we are eager to hear from members of the public who can give us any other details.”
Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 5360 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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