WITNESSES are being sought after a smash and grab raid on a jewellers in St Albans this morning.

Christopher Wharton Jewellers on George Street was the target of the attempted robbery, although nothing was taken.

The offender had parked his motorbike opposite the store then walked into the alleyway next to the shop where he tried to smash the window using a large sledgehammer.

He smashed the glass but gave up and tried to get back on his bike although he was challenged by members of the public before he rode off.

Dc Lee Stuart from the Local Crime Unit in St Albans, said: “I am particularly keen to trace a male described as a construction worker, who was seen to challenge the offender directly – he may have information that can help our investigation.

“I am also keen to speak to anyone who lives in the Batchwood or Oysterfields area who may have seen the rider park the bike there before the offence took place.”

The man is described as wearing motorbike clothing and riding a dark-coloured sports motorbike.”

This was not the first time the shop has been raided.

In 2006, a gang of robbers armed with a handgun threatened to kill terrified staff before escaping with watches worth �180,000, and in 2008 a number of Rolex watches were swiped from the store.

Anyone with information should contact the non-emergency number 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.