A Thornton Heath resident was car-jacked by a gang of eight men who unlocked his car and stole his jewellery whilst he was giving way to pedestrians at a zebra crossing.

The 22-year-old man had been waiting at a zebra crossing outside Thornton Heath railway station in Brigstock Road at 9pm on Friday, October 19, when the gang approached his car.

One gang member slid his arm through an open window on the passenger side, unlocked the door and sat next to him.

He told the driver he had a gun in his pocket and threatened to blow the resident's head off if he didn't do what he said.

The robbers stole the driver's watch, mobile phone, silver Clarion car stereo, silver chain with a dollar sign pendant and a diamond studded ring with the inscription Bout-it'.

Another man got into the car and grabbed an earring off the man's ear. Another opened the driver's door and tried to take the bracelet off the man's arm but the man struggled, kept hold of his bracelet and managed to get out of the car with his car keys.

The gang then fled down Parchmore Road.

The first robber was described as a black male, 6ft, with a gruff London accent and was wearing a dark hooded sweat top with the hood tied tightly.

South Norwood Robbery Squad are appealing for witnesses to call PC Steward on 020 8649 1231

October 25, 2001 09:30