A BRAVE hairdresser tried to intervene in a raid at a neighbouring jewellers by throwing an A-board at a gang of hammer-wielding robbers.

The hunt is still on for three men who left behind a trail of destruction at Coleby’s Jewellers, in Billericay High Street, and neighbouring LJR Hair and Beauty.

Four people on mopeds tried to smash their way into the jewellers at about 11.30am on Wednesday. Sledgehammers were then used to break through the glass.

The jewellery store’s CCTV footage, seen by the Echo, showed a member of staff from the neighbouring hair salon throw their A-board at the gang who were trying to get into the jewellers.

It skimmed their feet, narrowly missing one of them, and in retaliation, a member of the gang then smashed the hair salon’s window.

Lauren Vinicombe, who runs LJR Hair and Beauty, said: “We do have a bit of a hero here but I don’t really want to talk about what happened yesterday, I want to put it behind us.

“It’s business as usual and we are fine. We are going to remain open as normal.

“I am thankful to my team for continuing to do their work.”

The CCTV footage also showed how a moped came off the road and repeatedly rammed the the front door of Coleby’s Jewellers.

Three other men then came along and tried smashing through the shop’s front with sledgehammers.

A 17-year-old boy from Billericay has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary in connection with the incident and remains in custody.

Police have not arrested anybody else.

Despite the raid causing damage to the shop front, Ricky Coleby, owner of the jewellery store, confirmed it’s business as usual.

He said: “I would like to say thank you for the great support from the public.

“There was a great community spirit from everyone.

“Lots of witnesses have come forward to help out with the police investigation.

“We will not be shut by this and will remain open as usual.”

Anyone with information can call Basildon CID on 101 or contact charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.