Thieves smashed their way into a city centre jewellers and stole £60,000 worth of jewellery before fleeing as police chased after them through rush hour traffic.

Two men used a crowbar to break into Hadfields Jewellers in Castle Street, Canterbury, at about 5.15pm yesterday.

They then smashed cabinets inside the store, before leaving with a variety of jewellery.

They are then thought to have left the scene in a dark-coloured BMW which was pursued by police to Wincheap, where it made off - travelling on the wrong side of the road towards oncoming traffic.

Allie Archer, a director at Hadfields, said: "We haven't stopped trading but obviously this has been some inconvenience as our showcases have been destroyed.

"It's our busy time of year and we've just got to carry on."

Hadfields is an independent jewellery shop, which opened in Castle Street in 1978.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Steve East said: “We are continuing to carry out at number of enquiries, including viewing CCTV footage but we would appeal for anyone who may have dash cam footage which shows the vehicle in the area or travelling along the road to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/27723/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.