VIDEO footage of robbers fleeing a jewellers after stealing thousands of pounds worth of gems and watches has been released by police in a bid to catch the thieves.

Staff at Market Cross Jewellers on Yarm High Street were left traumatised after the balaclava–clad men stormed into the shop armed with weapons, possibly including a gun, an axe and hammer, just before closing time on Monday night.

After smashing display cabinets, the raiders ransacked the store stealing Rolex and Breitling watches, each worth several thousand pounds, as well a quantity of cash and diamonds.

Detectives hunting the well-organised raiders believe they were all forensically aware and were in and out of the shop in 90 seconds

Footage taken on a mobile phone of the robbers leaving the store in a silver Audi, which has since been recovered, has been released.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: “A passing member of the public captured the moment that the four offenders, all dressed in black, left the store and got into an Audi A6 before leaving the scene. The vehicle was later recovered near to Yarm Cricket Club on Leven Road, Yarm.

“The offenders had entered the store shortly before 5pm, armed with what are believed to be bladed or edged weapons.

“No-one was injured as the suspects took a large number of high value watches and jewels however shop staff were understandably badly shocked by the incident,” she added.

Enquiries are ongoing into the robbery and detectives would continue to urge anyone with information to contact them on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.