A jeweller who was attacked by masked thugs during a raid has thanked his community for supporting him.

Geoff Moss and his staff were closing White's Jewellers in Tenterden when four men broke in and stole hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of jewellery.

The gang rammed a stolen 4x4 into a scaffolding pole to smash the door open.

Once inside, they sprayed Mr Moss and his staff with fire extinguishers.

One then smashed a glass case while the others took trays of diamond jewels that had been collected ready for closing.

After less than a minute, the thieves got back into the vehicle and drove in the direction of Rolvenden.

Mr Moss – who also owns a store in Bexhill – has been left counting the cost but says he has been boosted by the town's community rallying around after reopening at the weekend.

The shocking moment masked men burst into the jewellers

"It was an awful experience but we have had a lot of wellwishers," he said.

"There was a healthy amount of interest when we reopened on Saturday and there have been a lot of flowers and chocolates as well.

"It's nice to have that at any time and it says a lot about the community."

Recounting the experience, Mr Moss said the burglary seemed “professional”.

“They timed it perfectly, just as we were collecting everything for closing,” he explained.

“They smashed a case but didn’t take anything from there, just the window jewels.

“We are still running inventory to work out how much they took but it was hundreds of thousands of pounds worth, for sure.”

The dark-coloured Mercedes 4x4 used by the gang was found abandoned in a nearby cemetery.

It was found to have been stolen from Maidstone, while the men are believed to have made their getaway in at least one more stolen vehicle.

Anyone who witnessed the break-in, or who may have dashcam or CCTV footage which could assist detectives, is urged to call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting 46/228312/21.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by using the online form on its website.

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Tenterden