Armed robbery at Naz Jewellers, Milkstone Road

Police cordon off Milkstone Road after the armed robbery at Naz Jewellers

A jewellers on Milkstone Road was the target of an armed robbery this afternoon (Thursday 22 January).

Police were called to Naz Jewellers at 12:45pm to reports of an armed robbery.

The gang pulled up outside the shop in a silver BMW X5. They smashed their way into the store and threatened the staff who were on duty, causing them to retreat to the back of the store fearing they would be attacked.

The offenders fled the scene in the waiting car, which was then abandoned close by.

Police are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward. The offenders are described as being well built and spoke with Asian accents.

Detective Sergeant Laura Sutcliffe said: "This is a very serious incident in which weapons have been used in order to intimidate staff and then steal items of jewellery.

"Detectives are investigating several lines of inquiry but I would like to reassure the public that this is an isolated incident.

"Thankfully no-one was physically injured but clearly everyone inside the store is suffering from severe shock and it has had a significant impact on them.

"This violent robbery happened on a busy street in broad daylight in the middle of the day, so we believe there may be a number of witnesses who could have vital information for us.

"There may have been people who filmed what was happening on their smartphones so if you did see what happened, or you did take some footage, then please contact us.

"We are working with the store to establish exactly what was stolen but in the meantime, if you are offered pieces of jewellery which you suspect may be stolen then please call us immediately."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.