THE car a gang of "brazen" armed robbers used to escape after targeting a Yarm jewellery shop has been recovered by police.

The heavily armed men stole hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of gems and watches during the robbery just before closing time on Monday night (November 10).

Footage of the raid was captured on a passer-by's mobile phone which detectives are analysing, while images of the Audi the suspects used to flee the raid in has been released in a bid to trace anyone who had seen it in the town in the days leading up to the robbery.

Staff at Market Cross Jewellers were left traumatised after the balaclava–clad men stormed into the shop armed with weapons, possibly including a gun, an axe and hammer.

After smashing display cabinets, the raiders ransacked the store stealing Rolex and Breitling watches, each worth several thousand pounds, as well a quantity of cash and diamonds.

Detectives hunting the well-organised raiders believe they were all forensically aware and were in and out of the shop in 90 seconds.

Detective Inspector Mark Dimelow, of Cleveland Police’s Major Crime Team, said: “There seems to have been a degree of preparation and they obviously have some forensic awareness as the four men were all wearing balaclavas."

He said it was more than likely the men had disposed of their clothes.

“It would appear that they knew what they were looking as for they were in and out of the shop in 90 seconds. We are looking at CCTV footage from around the High Street and hope to be able to piece together what happened," he said.

“We know that the suspects left the scene in a silver coloured Audi A6. This was found abandoned a short time later near to Yarm Cricket Club on Leven Road, Yarm.

“A dedicated team is making every effort to trace those responsible and we are following a number of leads.

“This was a brazen robbery at a busy time of day in a busy town high street. We know there were many people around at the time, both pedestrians and passing motorists.

“We have spoken to a number of witnesses already, but would urge anyone who has not yet spoken to police and who saw anything suspicious in or around the High Street either in the hours before this took place or as the men left the scene to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Cleveland Police on 101 or alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.