King's Lynn: Armed Robbery

Police are investigating after two men carried out armed robbery at King's Lynn jewellers.

Officers were called to Francis Wain Jewellers on Norfolk Street at about 9.50am this morning after receiving reports that a silver Mercedes people carrier had pulled up outside the premises with smoke being described coming from the vehicle now believed to be from a fire extinguisher.

Two males then entered the store wearing hoodies and scarves around their faces armed with a sledge hammer and what is described as a handgun. The men then caused damage to the shop and various items of value taken. The vehicle then made off in the direction of Chapel Street.

The males are described as white males - one male was 6 foot tall, slim build with grey two piece tracksuit and hood, white scarf covering his face.

The second male is described as 5'8 – 5'10, average build, wearing a black long sleeved hoodie, with a grey short sleeved T-shirt over the top and black trainers with white soles. This male was carrying a small JD sports bag.

No shots were fired in the incident. A female member of the public received treatment from ambulance crew after collapsing nearby and It is thought this was due to the incident taking place. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this.

A seal was placed on the scene and enquiries are on-going. A vehicle matching the description of the one involved was found a short while later on near-by, along with abandoned clothing on Pilot Street. It is believed that  the offenders have made off from this location towards North Street Kings Lynn.

Staff members in the shop at the time were shaken but unharmed.

Detective Inspector Stuart Chapman from King's Lynn CID said: "Our enquiries continue and we'd appeal for anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area prior to the incident and also immediately after to call us. We are particularly interested in a silver coloured BMW that was seen in convoy with the offending vehicle around the area of the town centre prior to and after the incident, we are currently looking at CCTV footage, as well as carrying out forensic enquiries and taking statements from various witnesses."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or saw any suspicious activity prior to the incident should contact King's Lynn CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.