POLICE have been granted more time to question five suspects over an attempted smash and grab raid on a Taunton jewellers.

Avon and Somerset Police launched a manhunt yesterday morning after a masked gang attempted to rob the Michael Spiers Jewellers on North Street at 10.30am.

After leaving the store empty handed, the gang fled in a black BMW Mini.

 

Somerset County Gazette:

(Damage to the front of the store following the incident can be clearly scene)

Around an hour later, as police searched for the gang, a pursuit was brought to a dramatic end with a crash, and police arrested five suspicion of carrying out the attempted robbery.

Following their arrests, the five suspects were taken to hospital after suffering injuries in the crash.

Now, a spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police has said that four of the men are currently in police custody, and that one is still being treated in hospital.

The spokesman added that due to the length of time since they have been arrested, the police have been granted more time to question the suspects overnight and into tomorrow morning.

Although it is not yet known where the gang are from, the men are all aged between 24 and 32.

Avon and Somerset Police have also launched an appeal following the incident, and is urging anyone who might know what happened, or have any footage of what happened, to contact them.

Two lanes of the M4 were closed following the crash.

Somerset County Gazette:

(Police carry out investigations at the scene of the smash on the M4)

Police rushed to the store on North Street at 10.30am yesterday to reports of an alleged robbery.

Nothing was stolen and no one was injured thanks to neighbouring store staff at Timpsons who rushed to the aid of staff at the jewellers to make sure they were safe. 

A chase then took place from Taunton to Wiltshire on the M4, which ended with a crash near Swindon, which Wiltshire Police are dealing with.

Two lanes of the M4 were closed following the crash, leading to lengthy delays for motorists.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We were called to reports of a robbery at Michael Spiers Jewellers on North Street in Taunton at 10.30am this morning.

"A vehicle was seen leaving the area and was located in Wiltshire.

"Five men have been arrested and are all in custody."

Speaking after the robbery, Adam Spiers, director of Michael Spiers Jewellers, said: "Early this morning, a masked gang attempted to raid Michael Spiers’ Taunton store, however were prevented from stealing any goods thanks to the hi-tech in-store security system, our neighbours at Timpsons, and the quick response of the local police force. 

"With the attack taking place in a matter of minutes, our in store smoke and smart water security systems were instantly set off.

"Thankfully none of the Michael Spiers team was injured during the raid and nothing was taken, however the staff are understandably shocked.

"We would like to thank our neighbouring store, Timpsons, for their assistance, with the team rushing to the aid of the Michael Spiers staff, ensuring they were safe.

"We would also like to thank the local police force for their swift response during and after the raid. 

Somerset County Gazette:

(The scene outside the store following the robbery)

"It is our understanding that some of the gang have already been apprehended, and the police are making significant progress with their investigation.

"The Taunton store will remain closed until the police have finished with their inquiries, and we urge our customers to keep up to date by visiting our website and social media channels."

Police carried out forensic investigations at the store following the incident.

Michael Spiers has a chain of stores across the South West including a shop in Exeter.

It is not the first time the jewellers has been the victim of robbery, the store was targeted back when it was Leath's. 

Andy Beake, PC for Avon and Somerset Police said: "If anyone has any footage of the incident please come forward."

To contact police regarding the incident, please contact 101