A BURGLAR remains on the run following a raid on a jewellers shop.

The man, believed to be in his mid 20s, is being hunted by police after the smash and grab raid on Barnard Castle Jewellers on Friday morning.

A 25-year-old man, from Hartlepool, was arrested in connection with the incident, but has been released on bail as police continue their enquiries into the raid.

Police said that two men smashed the window of the jewellers in Galgate, Barnard Castle, County Durham, at about 10am.

They attempted to grab stock from the display. Broken glass and diamond rings were left scattered across the high street after the pair were chased off by the owner.

They escaped in a black Fiat Punto towards Darlington. A police helicopter and five cars chased them in an 11-mile high-speed pursuit which ended in High Coniscliffe, near Darlington.

The pair tried to flee after abandoning their car in the village. One was arrested at St Edwin's Church, but the second man is still at large.

The 25-year-old has been released on bail until May.

Police are appealing for more information that could lead to the arrest of the second suspect, or about the incident itself.

Call Darlington police on 0845-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.