Three people have been arrested after jewellery worth more than £22,000 was stolen in Tunbridge Wells yesterday.

The haul of expensive rings was taken in a raid on L Reich and Sons jeweller's in Monson Road at about 2.30pm.

An off-duty police officer spotted the suspects leaving in a car and took down the registration plate.

Around 30 minutes later, a car was stopped on the M25 near junction four and three men - aged 30, 37 and 52 - were arrested on suspicion of theft.

The 52-year-old man was released on bail until Wednesday, March 20. The other two men were released on bail until Monday, January 28.

DC Nicola Hilton, from Kent Police, said: "This was an extremely swift response and within 40 minutes of the offence taking place we had three suspects in custody, who have been released on bail whilst we investigate further.

"I would still be keen to speak to anyone who saw the theft take place, or who has any information, to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to phone DC Hilton on 101, quoting crime reference YY/1320/13, or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.