Man arrested after ram raid on Harborough town centre jewellers

A man has been arrested by police after a dramatic smash and grab raid at a well-known jewellers in Market Harborough.

The suspect was seized after a motorbike was used to smash down the front door of County Jewellers on the town’s High Street.

The gang struck the well-established town centre shop just before 1.30am on Tuesday September 1.

They battered their way into the high-end store – which has been there for 37 years – with the motorbike before making off with a stash of jewellery.

Three raiders are believed to have carried out the hit and run burglary before escaping into the night on two motorbikes.

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Harborough police alerted the neighbouring Northamptonshire force - and it was officers from Northamptonshire Police who quickly arrested a man aged 44 from the county on suspicion of four serious offences, including aggravated burglary.

A Northamptonshire Police officer spotted a motorbiker matching the description of a rider said to be involved in the burglary heading from Market Harborough to Corby.

The suspect failed to stop for officers but after a short chase he was “stopped safely” and detained.

He has now been bailed as police continue to investigate the raid.

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: “Shortly before 1.30am yesterday (Tuesday 1 September) we received a report of burglary at a shop in High Street, Market Harborough.

“It was reported that jewellery had been taken and someone had been seen leaving the scene on a motorcycle.

“Officers were deployed and the motorcycle was located.”

She added: “A 44-year-old man from Northamptonshire was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police and driving under the influence of drugs.

“He has since been bailed pending further enquiries.”

If you have any information on this crime or saw what happened you are being asked to call Leicestershire Police on 101 urgently.

Officers are stepping up their hunt for the two other suspects said to be involved.