Armed robbers raid Hatton Garden jewellers after ‘posing as customers’ in latest smash-and-grab to hit lawless London

Passers by looked on as armed robbers forced their way into Danesh International, a jeweller's located at the heart of London's diamond district on February 12.

The pair reportedly threatened the staff with knives and smashed display cases inside the store with hammers before making their escape.

Footage captured by onlookers shows three men escaping on foot through the front door, smashing their way through as they attempt to flee.

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Dressed in tracksuits, one man can be seen clutching armfuls of jewellery, making off with several high-value watches and a ring.

The group assaulted a staff member in his 70s and threatened local security before escaping on foot at around 5.15pm.

The suspects remain at large, with police appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

A spokesperson said: “Officers were on the scene in eight minutes and spoke to the business owner, who reported three people armed with knives had threatened staff and stolen a number of high-value watches and a ring.

“Specialist detectives from the Met's Flying Squad are investigating the robbery, and we have increased patrols in the area by uniformed and plain clothes officers. No arrests have been made at this stage.”

It's the latest jewellery heists to hit the capital, with more than £22 million in luxury goods stolen by thieves in London over the past two years.