CCTV shows jeweller warding off knifeman in Dagenham Published duration 25 November 2011

media caption CCTV shows the shopkeeper threatening the robber with his broom

A jeweller who fended off a knifeman with a broom in east London acted with "great courage", police have said.

The shopkeeper was working in Harrolds Discount Jewellers, in Dagenham, when a man grabbed a female saleswoman and held a knife to her throat.

The shopkeeper freed her and avoided the attacker's knife before threatening him with his broom.

Officers have appealed for witnesses to the attack, which happened on 21 October.

CCTV images of the dramatic incident have been released by the Metropolitan Police.

Det Ch Insp Ian Corner, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was a violent attack which left the shop workers extremely shaken.

"They acted with great courage to fight off the suspect and were lucky to have avoided being seriously injured.

"We need help from the public to trace this individual before he attempts to target someone else."

The suspect fled across the road and into the shopping centre along Dagenham Heathway.