SHOPPERS had to dive for cover after an attempted raid on a Bury jewellery store.

A blue Ford Focus car was driven along at speed along the pavement outside Kings Jewellers in Market Street forcing pedestrians to jump into doorways to avoid being struck.

Moments earlier, at 1pm on Wednesday, the car had pulled up on the pavement outside the jewellery store. Three masked men got out and attacked the display window with hammers causing it to break.

However, they failed to take any of the jewellery and fled empty handed.

One eye-witness said: "I didn't see the initial raid on the shop but I nearly lost my life when this blue car was driven along the pavement. A number of shoppers and myself had to jump to the side to avoid being hit."

Police investigating the incident are currently reviewing CCTV footage and are keen to speak to witnesses. Bury police can be contacted on 0161 856 8157 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.