Watch terrifying moment masked men raid Leeds jewellers as armed robbery CLOSES County Arcade

It happened at about 10.30am this morning when four to five suspects smashed their way into Philip Stoner The Jeweller in County Arcade.

The suspects are then shown escaping in a getaway car, with one man shouting at the other suspects to 'hurry up'.

A large section of County Arcade is closed to the public, with officers and Victoria Quarter staff guarding the scene of the armed robbery.

Customers are being directed away from Phillip Stoner and neighbouring shops and is not yet known when the area will reopen.

The manager of a shop nearby, who did not wish to be named, witnessed the armed robbery

She said: "It's really concerning and my thoughts go out to the staff at the jewellers."

Another worker said: "It's really scary - these aren't just shoplifters, these are armed men.

"And in broad daylight now as well, it's happening more and more. I'm just so glad no one was hurt."

Anyone who witnessed the robbery in the busy Leeds shopping centre should contact police via 101 or the LiveChat facility, quoting reference number 13200051700.

Police are particularly keen to speak to anyone who filmed the robbery on their phones.

A spokesperson for Victoria Leeds, said: “We can confirm that following an incident earlier this morning, County Arcade is temporarily closed.

"This is now a matter for the authorities and we are supporting them with their enquiries.

"The safety and security of our shoppers and staff is always our top priority.”