SHOPPERS in a market town were shocked after axe-wielding robbers raided a jewellery store in Northallerton today.

The robbery happened just after 4pm at Bradleys The Jewellers in Northallerton, whilst the town was still busy with people shopping.

Two men wearing balaclavas and armed with axes burst into the shop on Market Row shopping arcade, off the High Street.

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

Staff in the shop at the time were left shaken by the incident, but unhurt.

The arcade was cordoned off whilst police conducted their investigation.

A spokesman for the North Yorkshire force said: “The occupants of the shop were very shocked and distressed. Thankfully it appears nobody has been seriously injured.”

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