Machete raiders strike at Harrogate antiques shop

The suspects, wearing balaclavas, stormed Montpellier Antiques in Montpellier Mews at 11.40am and threatened the staff with an axe and a machete.

They then left the shop in a dark coloured Lexus, registration number BG57 XRV, which was found later on Glebe Avenue in Harrogate.

Police are appealing to anyone in that area who saw the vehicle being abandoned or saw the suspects leave the scene, to contact them.

They are also appealing for witnesses and information, including anyone who knows the whereabouts of the Lexus or has seen it travelling in the Harrogate area.

They also want to trace to anyone who was in the area of the store and captured any footage of the suspects or the incident on their mobile phones.

Det Chief Insp Andrea Kell of North Yorkshire Police, said: “No-one was injured in the incident. However, the staff have been very shaken up by what happened. I am appealing to anyone who can assist the investigation to contact us as matter of urgency, including anyone who has seen the Lexus either in transit or abandoned anywhere.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1 and pass information to the Force Control Room.

A police spokesman said: “At this stage it is unclear exactly what has been stolen, but it is believe to be a quantity of high value jewellery.”