A gang armed with sledgehammers stole Rolex watches after a smash and grab raid on a jewellers.

Police were called to reports of a number of men robbing Watches of Switzerland in Ship Street, Brighton, at around noon.

Three men, all wearing white paper overalls and dust masks, entered the shop and used sledgehammers to smash through interior glass panels.

They made off with a number of Rolex watches. The total value of the stolen property is unknown at this stage.

The men got into a nearby silver Volvo being driven by a fourth man. However this was quickly abandoned in Prince Albert Street and all four suspects made off on foot towards the seafront.

The car has been recovered for a forensic examination and police are currently seizing CCTV from the area.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Brighton CID on 0845 6070999, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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