SHOPPERS in a town were stunned after axe-wielding robbers staged a daytime raid on a Northallerton jewellery store.

The robbery happened just after 4pm yesterday at Bradleys The Jewellers, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, while the town was busy with people shopping and families enjoying their half-term holiday.

Two men wearing balaclavas and armed with axes burst into the shop, in Barkers Arcade, in Market Row, off the High Street.

It is believed they escaped with jewellery, before driving off in a red van later found abandoned behind South Parade, in the town.

Staff in the shop were said to be shaken, but unhurt.

The arcade was cordoned off while police conducted their investigation.

A spokesman said: “The occupants of the shop were very shocked and distressed.

Thankfully, it appears nobody has been seriously injured.”

Most people working in nearby shops and businesses said they were unaware anything was happening until they saw police vehicles responding to the emergency, or heard about it on Facebook or Twitter shortly after it happened.

Nuala Dickman, who works at the nearby New Look store, said: “I’ve just heard about it now – it was on Facebook. You don’t expect it in Northallerton, especially in daylight in the middle of half-term. I would be surprised if it’s local people.”

Milly Slinger, from the Black Bull pub, in the High Street, which overlooks the arcade, said: “I knew something had happened when I saw police standing round blocking off the arcade. It’s unusual for here.

“But I didn’t see anything and I was here all the time it happened. It’s rare to see something happen like that during the day.”

Rachel Kirby, who lives in the town, said: “That kind of thing just doesn’t happen in little Northallerton.”

The independent jewellers has been in the town for a number of years.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.