A gang wearing dark clothing and balaclavas attempted to rob jewellery from inside a car during a “very distressing incident”.

The group of men reversed into the victims’ vehicle and smashed a window.

Police have launched an investigation over the incident which took place in a residential road in the early hours of the morning.

A man and a woman in their 60s were driving in Rolls Bridge Way, Gillingham, with items of jewellery to sell at an antiques fair in their car at around 2.30am on Tuesday, April 11.

A black SUV approached them from behind and pulled up alongside their vehicle. The victims heard a banging on their windows and a voice telling them to get out of the car.

As they entered Cemetery Road the SUV pulled up in front of the victims’ vehicle, five men in dark-clothing and balaclavas got out and approached the car.

A rear window was smashed and the SUV then reversed into the victims’ car before they were able to drive away from the scene.

Detective Constable Liam Moss, of Dorset County CID, said: “This was understandably a very distressing incident for the victims, and we have launched a full investigation to identify those responsible.

“I would urge any witnesses to please contact us, and I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have captured any relevant footage on dashcam, home CCTV or doorbell cameras.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 52230055111. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.