A gang snatched diamond cluster and solitaire rings worth £10,000 in a daylight smash-and-grab raid on a town centre jewellery store.

Three men smashed the front window of the Scott Taylor shop in East Walk, Basildon, with a hammer and grabbed the jewellery, before fleeing.

Staff were left shocked as they heard about three smashes and then saw the gang disappear in a matter of seconds.

A spokesman said: "The jewellery was choice pieces, one-offs of high quality, mainly rings.

"It all happened so quickly, I heard three blows and then they were off.

"It was lucky no-one was hurt. If anyone had been standing in the window at the front of the shop at the time, it would have been very dangerous. "

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened at about 10.40am.

The culprits were white, aged between 15 and 17, wearing tracksuits and baseball caps. Call Basildon police on 01268 532212.

Published Friday August 9, 2002

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