Woman injured following smash and grab robbery at the Dorchester

A woman was injured following a smash and grab robbery at London's Dorchester hotel on Park Lane, in the early hours of this morning.

Detectives from the Flying Squad have launched an investigation into the robbery during which watches and jewellery were stolen from a number of display cabinets in the foyer of the five-red-AA-star, 250-bedroom hotel, just after 1.30am.

Six men on three mopeds pulled up outside the hotel and three of the men made their way inside with sledge hammers, which they used to smash the cabinets before fleeing from the scene with a number of items on the mopeds.

Police on patrol in Westminster came across the incident in progress at the hotel and attempted to follow the robbers as they made their escape, but lost sight of them in the Shaftesbury Avenue area.

A 25-year-old woman was hit by one of the mopeds, which did not stop, in Cambridge Circus. The moped fled the scene without stopping. She was taken to a south London hospital with leg injuries and has since been discharged.

Heading the police investigation, detective constable Alex Flanagan said he would like to hear from anyone who was on Park Lane or nearby who may have seen the robbery or the men making their escape, as well as anyone who may have witnessed the accident in Cambridge Circus.

"This was a well-planned and thought through robbery and there may be people who know who is responsible and I am keen for those with any information no matter how small to come forward and assist us with our investigation," he said.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A spokesperson for the Dorchester hotel said: "We can confirm that there was an incident at the hotel last night in which showcases were damaged. The hotel security team were quick to respond and the matter is now in the hands of the police. As ever, the comfort and security of our guests and employees remains our top priority."