A COUPLE driving in their car were rammed by would-be thieves who demanded they get out – before they made a dramatic getaway.

The attempted robbery unfolded at around 2.30am on Tuesday, April 11, in Rolls Bridge Way, Gillingham.

A man and woman, in their 60s, were driving with items of jewellery they were due to sell at an antiques fair in their car when a black SUV approached them from behind and pulled up alongside their vehicle.

The victims heard a banging on their windows and a voice telling them to get out of the car.

As they entered Cemetery Road, the SUV pulled up in front of the victims’ vehicle, five men in dark-clothing and balaclavas got out and they approached the car.

A rear window was smashed and the SUV then reversed into the victims’ car before they were able to drive away from the scene.

Detective Constable Liam Moss, of Dorset County CID, said: “This was understandably a very distressing incident for the victims, and we have launched a full investigation to identify those responsible.

“I would urge any witnesses to please contact us, and I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have captured any relevant footage on dashcam, home CCTV or doorbell cameras.”

Reacting to the news, MP Simon Hoare said on social media: “Appalling. We don’t expect this sort of criminality in North Dorset.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 52230055111, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.