POLICE are on the hunt for a silver seven-seat Volkswagen used as a getaway car in an audacious smash and grab raid on a Lydney jewellers.

The masked raiders, who smashed their way into Taylors Jewellers in Newerne Street, Lydney, at about 1am last Friday morning, September 14, and escaped with thousands of pounds worth of gold, silver, pearls and watches.

An eye witness said the two masked men jumped into the getaway car which then sped off.

Shop owner Clare Taylor said: “They smashed through the front door and then broke into the glass cabinets in the shop.

“We haven’t worked out the full value of what was taken but it is substantial. It is very distressing and were are offering a reward to anyone with information leading to a prosecution.

“In spite of the damage, we had repairs done quickly and it was business as usual on Saturday morning."

Gloucestershire Police are appealing for other witnesses to come forward or anyone who has any information that may help the force with its enquiries to call them 101 quoting incident number 15 of September 14.