Reward offered over jewel raiders

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/manchester/5332656.stm

Version 0 of 1.

A jeweller is offering a £25,000 reward to catch armed robbers who escaped with a £3.3m haul from a shop.

Police described the raid on Hancocks in King Steet, Manchester, on 25 August as "terrifying".

The gang armed with a pickaxe handle, crowbars and a machete, made two staff members and a customer lie on the floor as they ripped open display shutters.

Police said the reward was for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the gang.

A diamond ring worth £100,000 was among many precious items stolen together with a £90,000 necklace and an £80,000 bracelet. The cheapest items were around £1,000.

Officers believe the distinctive designs of the jewellery will make them distinguishable and are encouraging anyone who has been offered superior quality diamond jewellery to contact police.

Det Ch Insp Colin Webb, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "The men who committed this robbery were threatening and intimidating and they left the members of staff in the shop incredibly upset and shaken.

"I am only grateful no one was hurt during the raid."