Police have launched an investigation following a violent robbery in Cotmandene Crescent, Orpington, where a man was assaulted and had his watch stolen during a daylight attack.

Officers were called to the scene at 1:30pm on Thursday, 24 April, after reports of an assault and theft involving two suspects. The victim, who suffered minor head injuries, told police he was approached and attacked before the assailants fled with his watch.

Due to witness accounts indicating that a firearm may have been seen during the incident, Armed Response Officers were quickly deployed to the area as a precaution. However, police have not yet confirmed whether a weapon was used or recovered.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said:

“The victim was assaulted by two suspects, sustaining minor injuries to his head, and his watch was stolen. Armed Response Officers attended following reports of a firearm being seen. Officers remain in the area and no arrests have been made at this stage.”

Police have cordoned off parts of the street as they continue their enquiries. Local residents reported a strong police presence and several patrol cars responding within minutes of the call.

No arrests have been made at this time, and officers are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has CCTV or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the robbery to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference CAD3737/24APR. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

This is a developing story and updates will follow as more information becomes available.