The police helicopter is searching for three men following a robbery at a jewellery shop in Tunbridge Wells this morning.

The raid on Goldsmith's in High Street happened at around 11am with smoke released from alarms in the property.

A police spokesman said three men armed with bats were involved in the robbery.

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Sledgehammers used to shatter the glass were left in the doorway as the gang members made their escape.

Witnesses reported seeing the suspects make off on motorbikes.

Eric Woodruff, owner of the neighbouring Fashion Carpets, said: "I was sitting in my shop when I heard a noise.

"I could see smoke and thought it was a fire but it was a security device for the shop. If anyone tries to steal anything the shop fills with smoke.

"I saw the window had smashed and then I think about 30 policemen turned up with dogs. By then the thieves were long gone.

"I think they got away with a few scooters, which were apparently found in the park, so they must've have a car parked up somewhere.

"I don't think anyone was hurt, which is the main thing."

The road was closed to traffic until just after 3pm.

A police spokesman said: "Police are currently searching for three men after a report of an incident at a jewellers in Tunbridge Wells High Street. Officers were alerted to the incident at 11.08am today.

"It is reported that three men armed with bats and sledge hammers smashed a window of the shop before making off.

"A search involving the police helicopter is currently underway. It is not yet known what, if anything has been stolen.

"Officers have closed the road and crime scene investigators are working to gather forensic evidence."

Police are asking for anyone who filmed the incident on their mobile phones to call them on 101 quoting reference 03*365.

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