TV antiques expert Ian Towning has revealed he is now too scared to walk the streets alone following a violent hammer attack at his Chelsea jewellery shop.
The Dickinson's Real Deal star told GB News: "I'm very nervous. I have always got somebody with me. I never walk the street alone."
The dealer, who also appeared on Posh Pawn, now relies on being dropped off and collected directly outside his workplace.
"I get dropped outside of the arcade and then I get picked up outside because I just feel uncomfortable," Towning said.
Ian Towning spoke about the horrific attack on GB News
GB NEWS / MET POLICE / INSTAGRAM
The attack occurred in March this year, with robbers making off with £200,000 worth of jewellery.
Recalling the terrifying incident, Towning described how the attack unfolded when robbers began smashing the shop's display window.
"Unfortunately, they were bashing the window and smashing it to pieces. He couldn't get in so attacked my security guard, Mark, hit him on the head with a hammer and chucked him to the ground," he told GB News.
"Then they rushed into the shop. Then I fought with them and he knocked me down with the hammer," Towning said.
The attackers then began snatching jewellery from the window displays.
Shocking CCTV footage released by The Met Office showed one of the robbers striking Towning over the head before shoving him to the floor.
Ian Towning spoke to Ben Leo about his traumatic experience
GB NEWS
The attack has left lasting physical and mental scars on the antiques dealer.
"It's really screwed me up. I haven't slept well since, and I'm just nervous all the time. And even in my own garden, I feel vulnerable," Towning told MailOnline.
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His injuries continue to cause him significant discomfort.
"My teeth, hips, my arms, shoulders and my head, they all hurt and sometimes when I go into my shop, I don't like to be in there anymore," he said.
Balaclava-clad burglars stormed Towning's antiques shop
MET POLICE
In the immediate aftermath, Towning shared on Instagram: "I am in incredible pain and I find it very difficult to talk about the incident."
Two men have been convicted for their roles in the violent robbery.
James Dixon, 42, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to steal, robbery of cash and possession of an offensive weapon.
Thomas Loring, 41, from Dunkery Road, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery after just 42 minutes of jury deliberation at Kingston Crown Court.
The pair were part of an organised crime network based in South London that targeted cash in transit vans, Post Offices and jewellers.
Dixon is due to be sentenced on 18 January 2025, while Loring will face sentencing on 16 January 2025.
