AN E-fit of a man wanted in connection with an armed robbery in a town centre jewellery store has been issued as police step up their hunt for the criminals.

Dave Gooderham

AN E-fit of a man wanted in connection with an armed robbery in a town centre jewellery store has been issued as police step up their hunt for the criminals.

Frightened staff were left “traumatised” by the raid at Thurlow Champness jewellers in Bury St Edmunds on Wednesday morning with robbers smashing display cabinets and stealing stock.

Although no one was hurt in the incident, which happened in Abbeygate Street at about 10.40am, a sledgehammer and long-handled axe was later recovered.

Now detectives have this morning released an E-fit likeness of a man wanted in connection with the robbery - although it is still believed four men could have been involved.

Detective Inspector David Giles said: “We are keen to trace the man in the E-fit likeness as he may hold important information which may assist this inquiry.

“We would also ask anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen the offenders leaving in the grey VW Golf or white hatchback to come forward if they have not already done so.”

Investigating officers admitted the raid appeared to have well thought-out with a number of cars - and people - used.

Det Insp Giles said: “This robbery appeared highly organised, with a sequence of vehicles placed to enable the offenders to leave the scene quickly.

“Both of the seized vehicles will be examined forensically and it is extremely important that we identify and recover the third car to carry out similar inquiries.

“This white medium-sized hatchback may have been abandoned in Bury St Edmunds or further afield, and I would appeal for anyone who has seen such a vehicle in their area which they don't recognise or feel is out of place, to contact police.”

It is believed two men - both of Middle Eastern appearance - were wearing white all-in-one suits and black balaclavas when they raided the upmarket store.

They left the scene in a grey VW Golf along Hatter Street driven by a third male. This vehicle was recovered in a car park on Whiting Street.

It is believed the three males then got into a white medium-sized hatchback car on College Lane, driven by a fourth male. A silver BMW was also recovered on Abbeygate Street.

Anyone with any information should contact Bury CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.