MASKED men smashed their way through a luxury jeweller with a sledgehammer and a baseball bat this morning.

The armed gang stole one diamond ring, three Cartier watches and two Rolex watches from Victoria Jewellers in Epping High Street at 11.30am.

The four men – two on a motorbike and two on a scooter – smashed the windows before heading off towards Harlow with their loot in tow.

The director of the shop told the Epping Forest Guardian: "It was four men on two bikes. They drove up this morning with sledgehammers. They have taken a lot of jewellery.

"They were wearing balacavas. It's only just happened so we're in a bit of shock."

They were riding a black motorcycle and a black or grey Lambretta.

All four are described as slim and in their 20s.

A witness said: "As far as I could see, it was a smash and grab. Nothing like this has happened in my time here and I've been here for four years.

"It's pretty exciting by Epping's standards."

The motorbike rider was about 6ft tall and wore blue jeans and a dark hooded jacket. The passenger wore black jogging bottoms with a grey stripe down the leg, a black or grey hooded top and a mask.

The scooter rider wore a black jacket, grey and black jogging bottoms and a grey crash helmet. His pillion passenger wore a black hooded top, yellow gloves, blue trainers and a black bandana.

Witnesses should call police on 101.

The scene has since been cleared up.

Did you see what happened? E-mail fraser.irving@london.newsquest.co.uk.