Jewellery raid foiled

Two men, one dressed as a postman, tricked their way into Friar House Antique Jewellery just after 11am before smashing a glass display unit and trying to grab some of the expensive jewellery sold in the shop.

Terrified manageress Maria Swain and shop assistant Susan Jenner tried to get them out of the shop by striking at them with a ring pole - a two-and-a-half foot long solid metal bar used to measure ring sizes.

The pair then fled into the High Street where one of the men was pinned to the shop front by passers-by until the police arrived.

As the duo tried to escape, one knocked over an elderly man, causing him to break his leg.

Maria, who has been working at Friar House for nearly six years, said: "I lost my voice because I was screaming because I know if you scream as much as you can and attract attention people will come, and they did.

Maria said she had struck out at the men to distract them and make them leave the shop. "I was so angry," she added.

A member of the public, who helped to capture the man after hearing Maria's screams, described the raid as "very amateurish".

The 40-year-old journalist, who does not want to be named, was visiting the area from London when he heard the commotion.

He said: "A lot of people were angry in the street. It was a very audacious attempt and very stupid and opportunistic.

"I think it was very amateurish to joke standard. It's an insult to the general thieving fraternity. It was laughable."

Police carried out a major search of nearby fields and the surrounding area for the second suspect and any clues.

The Sussex Police helicopter was launched and dog units joined the officers on the ground who were combing the area until it got dark.

Police have praised the members of the public for their response and rushed to reassure residents and businesses over the incident.

Chief Inspector Heather Keating, Rother district commander, said: "I would like to commend the bravery of the shop staff and members of the public who intervened.

"The suspects were arrested quickly. I would also like to reassure people that crimes of this type are unusual in Battle.

"Our neighbour policing teams will be patrolling in the area to provide reassurance and I would urge anyone with information to talk to them."

Anyone with information should contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Swanland.

* William Smith, 30, of Tenterden Road, Golford, Cranbrook, Kent, has appeared at Hastings Magistrates' Court charged with burglary with intent to steal and attempted burglary.

Smith entered no plea to either charge. He was remanded in custody and will reappear at Lewes Crown Court on December 10.

A 21-year-old man from Hawkhurst in Kent was also arrested in connection with the incident and has been released on bail until Sunday.