Hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of jewellery was stolen in a vicious high street break-in.

Masked thugs used a scaffolding pole and a 4x4 to break down a door of White's Jewellers in Tenterden yesterday.

The shocking moment masked men burst into the jewellers

CCTV footage showed four men, all of whom had their faces covered and wore dark clothing burst through the doors of White’s Jewellers at 5.45pm just before closing time, spraying 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.

Shop owner Geoff Moss said that the aggravated 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.

“It’s hundreds of thousands of pounds worth, for sure.”

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

Police were called and officers attended the scene.

The dark-coloured Mercedes 4x4 was found abandoned later in the nearby cemetery. It was found to have been stolen from Maidstone.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, 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 their 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