Police are appealing for witnesses to a bungled smash-and-grab at one of London’s busiest shopping centres.

A gang of four men armed with axes and hammers were arrested as they smashed the windows of a jewellers in the ground floor of the Westfield shopping centre in Stratford on Thursday September 5.

Armed police swooped on the gang before they could steal any goods but a fifth man who was waiting in a car outside, fled as the others were arrested.

He was later traced to a home in Islington where he was also arrested.

Police are now calling for any witnesses who saw anything to get in contact with them.

Det Con Kevin Parley said: “Five people have been charged in connection with this incident but we are still appealing for witnesses and information.

“We know there was talk on social media networks following the incident from people who had seen what happened - we would ask those witnesses to please come forward and contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call DC Parley on 07771 976557.