TWO people have been spoken to in connection with the armed robbery of a Middlesbrough jewellery shop on Tuesday evening.

The gang used axes when they targeted Market Cross Jewellers in the pedestrian only area of Linthorpe Road in the town centre.

A car believed to have been used in the raid, which took place at around 4.30pm, was found abandoned in the Cannon Park area of the town.

The robbery was the second in a little over two months on the same company after a gang of armed robbers stolen hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of watches and jewellery from the company’s Yarm branch.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “Two people have today been spoken to by detectives in connection with the robbery at Market Cross Jewellers in Middlesbrough on Tuesday.

“A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery and has been bailed pending further enquires.

“A 49-year-old woman, who voluntarily spoke to police, will return at a later date by appointment.

“Both are from the Manchester area.”

A 24-year-old man from the Blakely area of Manchester was arrested on Thursday, January 8 on suspicion of the robbery, in connection with the Yarm incident. He has now been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or anyone who may have information regarding it is asked to contact Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.