A PLUCKY jeweller managed to rugby-tackle one of three hammer-wielding raiders who targeted his shop.

Three men in balaclavas launched a smash-and-grab raid on Gold Reserve Jewellers in St Michael's Road, Bournemouth, at around 3.05pm yesterday.

They smashed two windows with hammers and made off with jewellery from the window display.

The raid triggered burglar alarms and the shop's owner, thought to be in his 50s, ran after the men, along with his son.

The owner then rugby tackled one of the men in the street, injuring his arm in the process. He managed to recover some of the jewellery but the raider struggled free and ran off.

The three men ran to a car which was waiting around the corner.

It is thought to have been a large Vauxhall, either a Vectra or Omega, and may have been silver or gold coloured.

An ambulance was called to the scene but the jeweller did not want to go to hospital.

The man's son also suffered a cut during the incident.

Sgt Andy Cutler of Bournemouth police appealed for information from anyone who might have seen the men or their car.

It is not known whether there was a fourth person driving the getaway car.

Sgt Cutler said: "It's a busy road, with lots of people going past.

"You never know what people might have seen."

Anyone who might have any information should ring Bournemouth CID on 01202 552099 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.