More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Two men have been arrested by police on suspicion of robbery following an armed raid at a jewellery store in West Malling.
The men, aged 27 and 29, have been bailed until Monday, October 21 after being arrested yesterday.
It is believed a third suspect could still be on the loose and police have not yet given any indication about the value of goods stolen.
The image shows a masked man believed to be armed with an axe during a raid on Adam Smith Jewllers on Friday, August 9.
Wearing a plastic protective suit and yellow gloves, he covers his face with a mask while wielding the weapon at approximately 1.30pm.
The bald-headed man is said to have held up the High Street jeweller's with another masked man at about 1.30pm.
Investigating officer DC Graham Hunt from said: "The High Street was quite busy at the time of the robbery, and we have spoken to a number of witnesses who have given us very useful information.
"I’m sure there are some more people out there who saw what happened though, and it would be great to hear from them.
"The Peugeot that the suspects drove off in was later dumped in Offham where the suspects are believed to have transferred to another car so I would also like to speak to anyone who saw this."
Witnesses described how a blue Peugeot 106 car was waiting outside - and a third unmasked man was the getaway driver.
Unconfirmed reports suggested the robbers fled along Offham Road - before changing cars to an Audi or Mercedes.
Staff in the jeweller's were not injured, but are said to have been badly shaken up.
Lauren Burgess, a stylist at the hair salon next door to the jeweller's, said: "Our client came in really shaken up.
"He said two men had come out wearing masks and got into a car and sped off. I can't believe it's happened right next door."
Fellow shop worker Bernadette Vilisek-Weber said: "I was working when it happened. It isn't the kind of thing you expect in West Malling.
"It is a really peaceful town. I talk with the owners really often and they are a really nice couple."
Sharon Godden, of Baldock's ski store nearby, said a woman came into the store soon after the raid, claiming to have 'seen everything'.
She said: "She was very shocked and said there had been an armed robbery, before running off back to her car.
"At that time of day it's shocking."
She said she knew the owners of the jeweller's. It's believed the owner only got married about a year ago.
A police cordon was thrown around the jeweller's, which has been open for 20 years, and specialises in antique jewellery and diamonds.
Officers and forensics experts were seen scouring the area for clues.
A Kent Police spokesman said: "We were called to a report of a robbery in progress at 1.30pm.
"Investigations are ongoing and police are at the scene."
As well as a large police presence in the town, the police helicopter has also been searching the area for the culprits.
Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to phone police on 101.
