BURGLARS escaped with an estimated £200,000 haul of jewellery and watches in a lightning-quick late night raid.

Market Cross Jewellers was targeted by a gang of thieves who smashed their way to the most expensive and prestigious items in the store at about 11pm on Wednesday.

The shop, in Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, was ransacked within minutes and the store's manageress believes the thieves knew exactly what they were looking for.

Diamond rings and Omega watches were among the items taken from display cabinets which were smashed during the burglary. The raid is thought to be the biggest jewellery heist carried out on Teesside.

Manageress Dawn Conley said: "They cut their way though bars before getting in through a window and ransacking the shop.

"They only targeted the high quality and expensive ranges of watches and jewellery.

"They have had the time to hacksaw through metal bars, but there are cameras all over the inside and outside of the shop.

"The police think they must have been in the store in the last couple of days to have a good look around to identify where the expensive items are located.

"According to our alarm operators, they were only in the shop for three minutes so they must have known exactly what they were looking for and where to find it."

Detectives from Cleveland Police expected the value of the haul to be close to £200,000.

Forensic teams were scouring the premises for clues and staff were being quizzed by detectives. Officers also launched an urgent appeal for witnesses.

Detective Sergeant Simon Hurwood, of Middlesbrough CID, said: "It happened overnight and we understand entry was gained at the rear of the shop - but it is too early to say much more.

"We would appeal for anyone who was in the area and who saw any suspicious activity overnight to contact us.

"We also want to hear from anyone offered any jewellery."

Anyone with information can contact Cleveland Police on (01642) 303126 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.