A man has been arrested after jewel thieves threatened shop staff before stealing an unknown amount of gems.

Three men are said to have entered Simmond's, in Deal High Street, at around 4.30pm on Wednesday before threatening workers with a shotgun (similar to that pictured left).

Now a 28-year-old man, from Deal, has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and is in police custody.

The men fled the shop after making off with jewellery from the smashed cabinets.

They got into a silver Peugeot estate car, believed to be driven by a getaway driver.

This car was spotted later burning in Sandown Road, in Sandwich, at about an hour later.

The three men are said to have been wearing dark hooded tops with their faces covered by balaclavas.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Cconstable Simon Harold at Kent Police on 101 or 01303 289353, giving reference 31-1031 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.