A SHOP worker was injured during the attempted theft of a Rolex watch which culminated in a car chase stretching from Bournemouth to Ringwood.

Five men were arrested on Thursday September 23 after a high-speed pursuit ended in a car crashing outside of Ringwood School.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “Detectives investigating a reported attempted theft of a watch and subsequent assault in Bournemouth are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

“Dorset Police received a report at 2.50pm on Thursday 23 September 2021 that a man attempted to steal a Rolex watch from the Arcade Jewellers in Bournemouth Arcade.”

During the incident, it is alleged that a staff member was assaulted, sustaining various minor injuries.

The spokesperson added: “It is reported that a vehicle believed to be involved in the incident made off from the scene. Officers attended, carried out a search of the area – assisted by the NPAS helicopter – and followed the vehicle before it came to a stop in Parsonage Barn Lane in Ringwood.

“A 37-year-old man, two men aged 22, a 21-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy, all from the London area, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery. One of the men was also arrested on suspicion of assault. They are all currently assisting detectives with their enquiries.”

Detective Inspector Shaun Inkpen, of Bournemouth CID, said: “A full investigation is underway and I am appealing to anyone who was in the area and witnessed what happened to please come forward and assist us with our investigation.

“I would also urge motorists who may have captured anything of relevance on dashcam, either in Bournemouth or Ringwood, to please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210154187.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.