Passers-by merely stopped to take photos rather than help as a jewellery store owner was targeted by robbers.

David Dyer, 59, and colleague Frazer Wilson, 24, were preparing to close Cradler's House Jeweller in High Street, Leatherhead, on Friday evening when two men carried out the attempted robbery.

Chelsea Phillips, 21, a worker at Superdrug, called police and described how she was shocked others did nothing, with at least two passers-by stopping just to take photographs through the window.

She said: “One bloke literally stopped outside while it was going on, took a picture through the window on his phone and then walked off again.

“It was very surreal. Some people helped and we rang the police but I just couldn’t believe the people who did nothing.”

Other shop owners on the High Street spoke of their shock, saying it was a rare occurrence in Leatherhead.

Charlie Drake, 23, who works in the Edmund Tylney pub said it was 'very shocking and unsettling'.

She said: "This is a very typical high street and things like this hardly ever happen."

Cradler's House Jewellers is a traditional jewellers which specialises in women’s necklaces, bangles and rings, which are displayed in cabinets throughout the store.

Detective Inspector Jon Vogel, leading the investigation, said: “This is clearly a very unusual offence where two men in distinctive clothing have attempted an audacious robbery and I would urge anyone who saw what happened to contact police.

“The incident took place in a very busy area so I feel certain – particularly given the memorable attire being worn by one of the men – that members of the public would recall seeing the two men walking through Leatherhead town centre at around 5pm on Friday.

“Fortunately the two members of staff involved in the robbery suffered only minor injuries but they have understandably been left shaken by what took place.

“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw where the man went after leaving the store.”

Police are appealing for witnesses and ask people call them on 101, quoting reference 45160014320, or call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Raymond William Price, 45, of Thamesmead in Walton-on-Thames was charged with robbery in connection with an incident in Leatherhead on Friday, February 19.

He was remanded in custody and will appear at Guildford Crown Court on March 21, after appearing at Redhill Magistrates' Court on Monday.