DETECTIVES are reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses in their ongoing hunt for a gang of Darlington jewellery thieves.

Four masked raiders used a sledgehammer smashed the front window at D&H jewellers in the town’s Queen’s Arcade just before 5pm on Friday and made off with valuables thought to include Rolex watches.

A member of staff was threatened with a machete but no one was hurt in the incident which happened just before 5pm.

Two vehicles used in the robbery; a silver Ford Focus and VW Touran van, registration number MM07 XAL, have been recovered by police and Acting Detective Inspector Andy Crowe said: “They have been subject to a full forensic examination.

“We are chasing up a significant number of witnesses.

“We are pursuing lines of enquiry including looking at CCTV footage within the Darlington area and the surrounding area.”

The four men were wearing balaclavas and tracksuits.

No arrests have yet been made and anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.