CRIME SCENE: The boarded-up jewellers in Barnard Castle that was targeted by two raiders yesterday

DIAMOND rings were left strewn across the high street of a market town after a raid at a jewellers.

Two men were involved in a high-speed police chase after they smashed the window of the jewellers in Barnard Castle, County Durham, and attempted to grab stock from the display at about 10am yesterday.

Expensive jewellery and broken glass was left scattered across the pavement after the pair were chased away by the shop's owner.

The men made their escape in a black Fiat Punto, but the police helicopter and five patrol cars tracked them to a small village, 11 miles away.

The pair tried to flee after abandoning their car at High Coniscliffe, near Darlington. One was arrested at St Edwin's Church, near High Coniscliffe School. The second man is still at large.

A spokesman for Darlington police said: "A man threw a brick through the window of Barnard Castle Jewellers, in Galgate, causing £500 worth of damage, and attempted to grab diamond rings from the display.

"There were two rings missing from the display when the crime scene investigators examined the scene, but both were found nearby. One was found in a crack in the pavement.

"The men fled in a black Fiat Punto. Details were collected and 20 minutes later the vehicle was abandoned in High Coniscliffe and the occupants ran away.

"One man was arrested not far from the scene and is being detained in cells at Bishop Auckland. The other man is still at large."

A staff member at the school said: "I understand there was a robbery at Barnard Castle and two youths left their car at St Edwin's Church. I think one was arrested, but they are still looking for the other one."

The shop's window was quickly boarded up, and business continued as usual yesterday afternoon.

The police announced last night that a 25-year-old man from Hartlepool was arrested on suspicion on burglary. He has been bailed until mid-May pending further inquiries.

His accomplice, also in his mid 20s, was still being hunted last night.

Police are appealing for information which could lead to his arrest. Call Darlington police on 0845-60-60-365 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.

3:02am Saturday 29th March 2008

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