A SHAKESPEARIAN street performer was involved in a real life drama when robbers struck in Stratford town centre.
Robbers believed to have been armed with sledgehammers and a crowbar targeted the Christopher Poel jewellery shop on Meer Street at around 11am on Wednesday.
After smashing their way through the front window as terrified staff watched on from inside, they fled towards Henley Street with a haul of expensive watches.
Tourists and townspeople witnessed the robbers ran down Henley Street.
John Jarvis, who was performing dressed as Shakespeare’s Ghost near the birthplace, gave chase together with another man, but neither were able to keep up with the thieves as they made their getaway.
Shop owner Mr Poel – who runs the family business – reported several high end watches were taken in the raid.
He said: “They were attacking the window in unison. Luckily everyone was inside, and they only attacked from the outside.”
Police were quickly on the scene and the force helicopter was also mobilised.
A spokesman for Warwickshire Police confirmed two men, aged 19 and 28, had been arrested on suspicion of robbery and were in custody.
No further details have been released.
