WATCH: 'I tackled machete-wielding attacker' - Have-a-go hero takeaway worker helps foil raid
A takeaway worker has described how he went after machete-wielding robbers who targeted a jewellery shop in Smethwick.
Brave Akram Suphyan, of Smethwick Kebab Shop, was one of half a dozen people who threw stones and bricks at the five-men gang.
The robbers, who were armed with machetes and a laser gun, got inside Naresh Jewellers, on High Street, as the owners closed up last Friday.
WATCH: Armed raiders tackled by group throwing stones and bricks
Once inside they grabbed owner Laxmen Kumar Singh by the throat while also threatening his husband and co-owner Naresh Kumari's cousin.
But as they forced the opening of a safe and cleared the displays of jewellery, the gang's actions were becoming known outside the jewellers.
Mr Suphyan was working two doors down when he heard the commotion.
He said: "We saw people running around outside and we went out to see what was going on.
"It was immediately clear the robbers were in the shop, with a man standing guard at the door.
"We picked up some stones and bricks and started throwing them at him.
"He went inside, but then soon they call came running out, one by one.
"They had machetes so we had to stand our distance, but we followed them to a getaway car.
"I can't believe we did it really."
The actions of the group have been praised by Mrs Kumari, who said the gang dropped one of the four bags of jewellery they tried to get away with.
She said: "They also could not spend much time in the store with the men outside throwing stones.
"It could have been much worse."
Mr Singh said: "They hit me round the face, left me bruising around the head and the eye.
"We're all shaken by what happened."
The couple have run the jewellers for six years. It is the second time they have been robbed.
West Midlands Police confirmed officers were investigating the incident.
A spokeswoman said: “We are investigating a robbery which occurred on Friday at around 6.20pm at a jewellers on the High Street in Smethwick.
“A quantity of jewellery was stolen during the robbery.
“An investigation is underway and anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
