Police have released video footage of a brave shopkeeper using a broom to stand up to a knife-wielding man during an attempted robbery.

The incident happened at a jeweller in Dagenham, east London.

A man wielding a knife went into Harrolds Discount Jewellers in Dagenham Heathway at 11.15am on October 21.

He lunged towards a saleswoman, grabbing her around the neck and holding the blade to her throat.

The shop owner reacted quickly and forced the suspect to release the woman before wrestling with him and trying to grab the weapon.

The owner eventually grabbed a broom and forced the suspect out of the shop.

The attacker then fled across the road and into the shopping centre in Dagenham Heathway.

Detectives from the Met’s Flying Squad have released CCTV footage of the incident.

The suspect is described as being white, of stocky build with a shaved head.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Corner, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a violent attack which left the shop workers extremely shaken.

“They acted with great courage to fight off the suspect and were lucky to have avoided being seriously injured. We need help from the public to trace this individual before he attempts to target someone else.”

Anyone who recognises the man or knows of his whereabouts should call police on 020 8345 4226 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.