Armed Robbers Raid Edinburgh Jewellers

7 June 2014, 07:00 | Updated: 7 June 2014, 07:02

Police are hunting a gang of armed robbers who raided a city centre jewellers.

The three men threatened staff and smashed open display cases at the Hamilton & Inches store in George Street, Edinburgh at around 11.30am on Friday.

They made their escape in a white BMW car, driven by a fourth man, which was seen to drive east along George Street, down Howe Street and along Heriot Row.

The car was recovered by police a short time later and is currently being forensically examined.

Police Scotland appealed for witnesses.

Detective Inspector Carol Craig, who is in charge of the investigation, said: "We are currently investigating this violent robbery, which put several people in a state of fear and alarm, and I would appeal for anyone who witnessed this incident and has not already spoken to us to contact Police Scotland on 101 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11.''

A statement on the Hamilton & Inches website said: "As reported in the news, there was a serious incident at Hamilton & Inches, Edinburgh. I am pleased to say that all of our staff are okay.

"We will however be closed for business in order to make our showroom safe.

"Please be assured that all of our customers' jewellery is held safely in our vaults and is untouched.''

Robert Kirk Inches and his uncle James Hamilton opened their first premises at 90A Princes Street, under the name Hamilton & Inches on November 10, 1866.