Armed robbers attack factory boss

A factory owner and his partner have been held up by armed raiders who attacked them and made off with expensive jewellery.

The robbers struck at about 1800 GMT on Thursday when most of the workers had left the engineering plant in Rea Street South, Highgate, Birmingham.

Police said two men, one wearing a balaclava, forced the owner back inside the premises at gunpoint as he tried to leave.

He suffered head injuries after being pistol-whipped by the men and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

His injuries are not believed to be serious.

His partner and her daughter were visiting the factory at the time and were also threatened.

The raiders got away with valuable wedding and engagement rings after searching the premises and demanding personal jewellery.

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: "As the last staff member went to leave the premises he was forced back inside at gunpoint by the two robbers, who then threatened the owner and his family.

Getaway car

"The owner struggled with the offenders and was assaulted and pistol-whipped, leaving him with head injuries which needed hospital treatment.

"They also assaulted his partner, leaving her with a cut lip.

"The whole incident happened in the presence of the partner's daughter."

CCTV footage from nearby premises is being studied by police to try to work out if the men used a getaway vehicle or left on foot.

Anyone who may have seen the two men waiting in the area before the attack or who saw them leaving the scene is asked to contact police.

Both raiders are described as black, the first is 6 ft 2 in tall and of medium build. He was wearing a black balaclava and a black leather jacket.

The second man is 5 ft 10 in with short hair. He was wearing a dark jacket.