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Piccadilly armed gang foiled by Met Flying Squad Piccadilly armed gang foiled by Met Flying Squad
(about 1 hour later)
A moped gang armed with knives and an axe has been intercepted by police in a "terrifying" attempt to rob a jewellery store in central London. A moped gang armed with knives and an axe has been intercepted by police in a "terrifying" attempt to rob a luxury watch store in central London.
One officer was injured when the Met's Flying Squad swooped on the men who were on two mopeds in Piccadilly at 11:25 BST. Four officers were injured when the Met's Flying Squad swooped on the men in Piccadilly at 11:25 BST.
The gang smashed a glass cabinet, causing more than £300,000 of damage, store owner Avi Reed said. A Taser was discharged several times and the policemen were hurt as the men tried to escape on mopeds.
Three men were arrested and are being held at London police stations. Four men have been arrested and are being held at London police stations.
A Met Police spokesman said three officers suffered minor injuries and the fourth is in hospital in a serious condition.
Store owner Avi Reed said the gang smashed a glass cabinet, causing more than £300,000 of damage,
Mr Reed said police contacted them at the Chronext store earlier to warn them that there might be a robbery, and the shop was closed to protect customers.Mr Reed said police contacted them at the Chronext store earlier to warn them that there might be a robbery, and the shop was closed to protect customers.
He said: "At about 11:30 we saw three guys, they had helmets on. One tried to smash the door with a hammer. The glass didn't break as it's protected but he managed to get in.He said: "At about 11:30 we saw three guys, they had helmets on. One tried to smash the door with a hammer. The glass didn't break as it's protected but he managed to get in.
"Another guy had an axe and managed to smash a cabinet, while the other stayed on the motorbike. They caused enormous damage.""Another guy had an axe and managed to smash a cabinet, while the other stayed on the motorbike. They caused enormous damage."
Mr Reed praised the actions of the "amazing" police.Mr Reed praised the actions of the "amazing" police.
"Thank god our employees were at the back of the store and nobody was injured," he said. Det Supt Craig Turner, said: "Our officers are absolutely committed to keeping London safe and target the criminals who pose a danger to Londoners and our city businesses day in, day out.
"The police acted with amazing speed. Unfortunately I believe one officer was injured. "They know that this work carries with it very real risks and dangers but take this in their stride as part of serving the public.
"We are delighted there was a police warning and it's terrifying to think what would have happened without it." "However, today's events highlight how the reckless behaviour of those determined to evade justice, heedless of the consequences, can have a real impact on all those involved."
Piccadilly is closed eastbound at Hyde Park Corner while investigations are carried out. Piccadilly was closed eastbound at Hyde Park Corner for about six hours while investigations were carried out.
The injured officer has been taken to hospital for treatment.
Scotland Yard said they caught the men during an "intelligence-led operation".