Detectives are appealing for information following an attempted robbery in Warlingham on Tuesday afternoon (16th August).

The victims, a man and a woman who are both in their 50s and local business owners, were travelling along Clarks Lane at approximately 3.30pm when they became aware a silver Peugeot 307 was behind them.

As the victims turned into Approach Road the Peugeot overtook their vehicle, stopping in the middle of the road and blocking-in the victims' car.

Two black men, one of whom was holding a metal pipe, got out of the Peugeot and ran towards the victims' car. The pipe struck the bonnet of the victims' car before they were able to reverse back onto Clarks Lane.

As the victims escaped along Clarks Lane, in the direction of Croydon Road, the silver Peugeot caught up with them and rammed their vehicle from behind.

A purple and silver van, possibly a Transit, was in-front of the victims' car and several vehicles were travelling in the opposite direction along Clarks Lane. When the road was clear the victims overtook the van and as they did the Peugeot rammed their vehicle again causing significant damage to the suspects' vehicle which resulted in them retreating.

The suspects are described as black men, in their mid 20s, of average build and both were wearing black clothing.

The victims were not injured and nothing was stolen.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Lewis Flanagan said: "We believe these victims were specifically targeted and we are already following several lines of enquiry.

"Fortunately incidents like this are very rare in Surrey and I am asking people to think back to Tuesday, 16th August, at approximately 3.30pm. Were you driving in the Warlingham area and witnessed this incident? Perhaps you were travelling along Clarks Lane and witnessed erratic driving and assumed it was road-rage? If you were in the area you may unwittingly have crucial information which could help us identify those responsible for this incident.

"I am particularly keen to trace the driver of the purple and silver van, which was driving along Clarks Lane and Croydon Road on Tuesday, 16th August, at approximately 3.30pm as I believe you will have vital information. "Naturally the two victims are very shaken following their ordeal and it is crucial we identify the two men responsible.

"The local Neighbourhood Specialist Officer is aware of the incident and will be providing reassurance to the community and working with detectives to gather information on those responsible. But we need your help to identify those involved which is why I am appealing to members of the public to come forward if they have any information which could help my investigation." Anyone with information should contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference number TD/11/4004.

Call 0845 125 2222 for all non-emergency policing matters.

Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).

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