Gang hunted after ram-raid at Smethwick jewellers - WATCH

A police officer was also recovering after being hurt during the raid where a white flat-bed lorry was used to smash through the front window of Jai Jewellers in Cape Hill, Smethwick at around 6.20pm on Friday night.

Up to five masked and hooded men carrying hammers and other weapons burst into the premises, threatening frightened staff who hid in the back as the intruders shattered display cabinets and stole the contents.

Dramatic video footage of the incident shows a police patrol car arriving at the scene in the middle of the raid and one of its crew apparently trying to break the window of the getaway car parked nearby.

The driver of the black Audi saloon accelerates away before suddenly braking and throwing the car into reverse, narrowly missing the officer who has to jump out of the way.

Three members of the gang then emerged from the jewellers carrying bags of stolen property and jumped into the car whose driver is seen hurling bricks at the police officer and his colleague.

The getaway car then speeds off moments before two more police cars arrive at the scene with lights flashing.

Staff at the shop were unavailable for comment at the weekend.

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Caroline Schubert confirmed: “The men took gold from the shop and attacked two police officers by throwing bricks.

"They then made off at speed in a waiting black Audi saloon car that headed onto Claremont Road.

"One of the officers needed to be taken to hospital for treatment to minor facial injuries.”

Superintendent Richard Youds, from Sandwell Neighbourhood Policing Unit, added: “The behaviour of these men showed that they were prepared to use considerable violence. We know that there were a large number of people in the area at the time and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.”

Callers can ring West Midlands Police on 101 giving crime reference 20SW/54603T/18 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.