A BUNGLED attempt at an armed robbery has left a jeweller thanking his lucky stars that he is still here.

Three hooded suspects burst into Solitaire Jewellers in Penge High Street at 10.45am on Friday.

Two of them had a knife and a gun, according to shop owner Darren Dunwell.

Nobody was injured after the 44-year-old, and his daughter Charlotte, 23, managed to run into the back of the shop and take cover behind a locked security door.

The suspects left empty-handed.

Mr Dunwell said: "If that door wasn't there, this could have been a very different case.

"I keep thinking I could not be here.

"I want other jewellers to be aware of this."

Anyone with any information should call Detective Constable Matthew Wyatt from the Met Police Flying Squad on 020 7232 6530 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.