A JEWELLERY shop was seriously damaged when raiders smashed their way into the premises in the early hours of this morning.

The thieves used a crowbar to wrench off metal security grilles outside the branch of H Samuel in the Calverley Road pedestrian precinct in Tunbridge Wells.

It is not yet known exactly what was stolen and whether a getaway vehicle was used in the raid. The store was only recently refurbished.

Police have appealed for any witnesses to contact them on 01732 370372 or to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.