SLEDGEHAMMER wielding raiders have attempted a smash-and-grab on a Southampton pawnbrokers.

The four men targeted Albermarle Bond pawnbrokers at around 3pm this afternoon.

Police are still on the scene.

The ambulance service also attended but a spokesperson at the shop said nobody was hurt.

Witness Craig Bonks, 34, from Millbrook said: “I was in Specsavers with my daughter who was having an eye test and when we came out all these people were standing around.

"They said the men got away on motorbikes.

"There was an ambulance here but it drove off. I don’t think anyone was hurt”.

Kirsty Russell 21 is a barista at Coffee #1 opposite and said: “I was hysterical.

"I was on the phone to the police and people were telling to sit down and have some water.

“I was here by myself just taking someone’s sausage bap off the toaster and heard lots people of shouting “robbery.”

"I turned round and they were smashing the windows  three or four times.

"They had bandanas and balaclavas on and were using a baseball bat or something.

"Then I saw them running down the road here.

"The police were her within about three or four minutes. It was very quick.

“You just don’t expect it. It was in broad daylight. It could happen to anyone”.

It is understood the thieves took off down Mayflower Road on their bikes and through a cut at the end of the road. 

Police have confirmed the incident is ongoing.

In a statement, Hampshire Constabulary said: "We are currently dealing with a robbery incident at a pawnbroker’s on Shirley High Street.

"Police were called at 2.45pm this afternoon to reports of a group of men on mopeds using what has been described as hammers and bats to break the windows of Albemarle Bond.

"A quantity of jewellery has been reported stolen.

"We understand that a large number of people were in the area and witnessed the incident, and may have taken mobile phone footage and photographs.

"Officers are appealing for anyone with footage to report to the police in the first instance, and not to share on social media.

"In addition, if you have any information about this incident at all please call us immediately on 101 quoting 483."