Masked suspects armed with weapons carry out armed robbery of Victoria Quarter jewellers in Leeds city centre

A group of 'four of five' suspects smashed their way into a jewellers in Leeds armed with weapons this morning, police said.
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At 10:29am today (January 29) police were called to reports of an armed robbery at Philip Stoner The Jeweller, in the County Arcade, in Briggate, Leeds.

A group of four or five masked suspects, armed with various weapons, smashed their way into the store and smashed a number of display cabinets, police said.

The men left the scene in a car that was waiting nearby.

Victoria QuarterVictoria Quarter
Victoria Quarter

It is not yet known what was stolen, police said.

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A large stretch of the arcade has been cordoned off by police, who are directing customers away.

Officers are currently at the scene which will undergo forensic examination.

Detective Inspector Guy Shackleton, of Leeds District CID, said: “Our enquiries into this incident are currently at a very early stage and we would like to hear from anyone who witnessed any part of it.

The scene at Victoria QuarterThe scene at Victoria Quarter
The scene at Victoria Quarter

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who filmed the incident on their mobile phone.

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"We are checking CCTV in the area but would also be very keen to see any such phone footage that people may have taken.

“This appears to have been a planned and organised offence and we will be carrying out extensive enquiries to identify those involved.

“There are no reports of anyone being physically injured but this will have clearly been a distressing incident for the shop staff involved and for those who were nearby.

The scene at Victoria QuarterThe scene at Victoria Quarter
The scene at Victoria Quarter

“I would urge anyone who has any information that could assist our investigation to contact us immediately.”

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Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13200051700 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.