Messages of support for shop manager

WELL-wishers from across the region have today offered their support to the manager of an Ipswich jewellers after his shop was targeted by armed robbers.

Trevor Ireland, manager of Robert Gatward jewellers in Butter Market, was subjected to a terrifying ordeal when two men armed with a hammer entered the shop at about 3.25pm on Saturday.

He was left with bruised hands after he bravely fought the robbers by pushing them out of the shop door, in a bid to protect his staff.

The robbers smashed a display case and stole what Suffolk police have described as “a substantial amount of watches”.

Several customers and fellow jewellers have expressed their sympathy following the raid.

Mr Ireland said: “Lots of well-wishers have been in touch. The phone hasn't stopped ringing. We appreciate all the customers and trade colleagues across East Anglia getting in touch with us.

“We opened as usual on Monday morning at 9am and everyone is at work, up to par.”

Police are continuing to recover and view CCTV images of the incident, but are still appealing for witnesses.

The men were eventually forced from the shop and ran to Tower Street where they got on to a dark coloured moped. They were seen riding off towards Tower Ramparts.

Both men are described as black and 6ft tall. One was wearing a black jacket, black baggy trousers and a black motorcycle helmet.

The other was wearing a blue jacket, light blue trousers and a yellow striped motorcycle helmet.

Anyone who saw the robbery or has information about the men involved should contact Detective Sergeant Bernard Morgan at Ipswich CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Do you work in a jewellers that has been robbed in the past? Are you a customer that has had anything stolen from a jewellers? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.