Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Jeweller hurt in 'vicious' attack by Celtic fans

By BBC, Tuesday, 15 January 2008, 11:34 GMT

A female jeweller has suffered eye injuries after being attacked in a "vicious" robbery.

The woman had a "substance" thrown into her face before being dragged to the ground and punched repeatedly in the face by two men on Monday afternoon.

Her attackers escaped from the Diamond Studio in Glasgow's Argyll Arcade with a number of TechnoMarine watches worth a five-figure sum of money.

Their victim was taken to hospital where she was treated for eye injuries.

She was later released but is expected to return to the hospital on Tuesday to see an eye specialist.

It is not yet known whether she has suffered any lasting damage to her eyes.

The two robbers had first visited the Diamond Studio at about 1515 GMT, and spoke to the jeweller about watches they appeared to be interested in.

They returned about an hour later, and attacked the 43-year-old woman.

Her screams were heard by neighbouring jewellers, who contacted the emergency services.

Both the suspects are white males aged between 18 and 21.

'Premeditated attack'

The first is described as being around 5ft 10in tall, with a stocky build and dark brown hair and wearing a black hooded top and black jogging bottoms.

The second suspect is described as being about 6ft tall, dark brown hair and wearing dark clothing and a white Celtic skip cap.

It is thought they headed south in Buchanan Street after stealing the watches.

Det Insp Andy McWilliam from Stewart Street CID appealed for witnesses to the attack to come forward.

He said: "This was a vicious, premeditated attack on a defenceless woman who has been left extremely traumatised and badly hurt."