DETECTIVES investigating a terrifying and violent armed raid believe the robbers may have stolen number plates from cars in Bournemouth before they carried out the crime.

Residents and visitors to the Durley Chine area may have been affected and police are keen to hear from anyone with information.

Three masked men, brandishing machetes, sledgehammers and baseball bats, sparked terror in the town centre just after 2pm on Tuesday when they launched an attack on exclusive jeweller’s Charles Fox in Bournemouth Arcade.

The robbers managed to smash toughened glass windows and display cases but no details have been released about what was stolen.

Chalres Fox is one of the most expensive in the area, dealing in diamonds, fine jewellery and watches including Rolex and Breitling.

Detective Inspector Craig Travers of Bournemouth and Poole CID said the raiders fled the scene in a dark-coloured Audi, which was later found abandoned at West Overcliff Drive.

“The robbers may have swapped cars at this point, possibly at the nearby pay and display car park” he said.

“I believe that these men may have taken registration plates from vehicles that were parked in and around this area, quite possibly at some stage during the morning.”

DI Travers urged anyone who saw any suspicious activity to contact Dorset Police urgently, “in particular any motorists who have since discovered that their registration plates have been removed or tampered with.”

He added: “This is a very serious incident and I an appealing for anyone with any information about those responsible to get in touch as soon as possible.

“All calls will be treated in the strictest of confidence.”

Those with information should call Dorset Police on 01202 222222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111. Mobile phone tariffs may apply.

l Police are also still appealing for witnesses to a raid at Merley food store Nisa in Sopwith Cresent, also on Tuesday.

Three men wearing balaclavas struck at 6am and fled with cash. Police are keeping an open mind as to whether the two robberies may be linked.