PART of Chislehurst High Street is cordoned off after three armed robbers smashed their way into a jewellers earlier this afternoon (March 19).

The incident occurred at Nikolas Patrick at about 3pm, with some expensive watches believed to be among the items stolen.

An axe and a sledgehammer were dropped by the thieves before they escaped and are lying on the ground outside.

A 21-year-old woman, who did want to be named, witnessed the whole incident.

She said: "They were parked in the alleyway round the side.

"They were wearing jumpsuits and put their balaclavas on in the car and got out.

"Then they smashed through the front of the shop - one of them had a sledge hammer and the others had crow bars.

"They drove off towards Perry Street.

"I called the police who arrived around 10 minutes later.

"To begin with I couldn't move - I was just stuck to the spot - you don't expect it at all in the middle of the day on a Tuesday."

Charles Devine, 72, the father of Patrick Devine, who runs the shop, said: "They took a lot of expensive watches - and we have worked hard to build all that stock up.

"We are shocked but no one got hurt and that is what is important."

Adrian Lawrence, 47, Senior Partner at George Proctor, was working in building next door when the robbers struck.

He said: "We just heard 'bang, bang, bang' and then I heard someone shouting 'don't you dare come near'.

"It was frightening.

"We locked the doors and I heard a car roaring."

The gang are believed to have driven off in a BMW.

No one was hurt in the incident and forensic officers are at the scene.

Did you see what happened? Call the newsroom on 01689 885725.