One of the owners of a jewellery shop on Aungier Street in Dublin city centre says he tried to fight off an armed robber as his store was held up yesterday.

Up to €25,000 worth of rings were taken when two masked men burst into Greenes Jewellers just after 5pm. Both were wearing high-vis jackets and one of them was wearing a blue hard hat.

The men threatened staff before escaping with items, including three trays of gold rings. They made their escape in a stolen Grey Opel Astra which was later found abandoned.

This jewellery tray was stripped of its contents 

Both men are thought to be in their late 20s or early 30s.

One of the raiders is described as being well over 6-foot, wearing a blue balaclava, a sleeveless high-vis jacket and a blue hooded top. The second is described as being about 5-foot- 10 and was wearing a blue hard hat and a high-vis jacket.

Gardai are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Co-owner Karl Ryan says he tried to defend his shop before he found himself staring down the barrel of a gun.