Police have launched an investigation into an armed robbery at a Maldon High Street jewellers, which saw the suspects leave with watches worth around £70,000.

Police rushed to the scene shortly after 10.15am this morning (Wednesday, 30 March), after several 999 calls reported a robbery taking place at Mitchells Jewellers on the high street.

Two men wearing dark clothing and dark motorcycle helmets pulled up outside the store, at 107 Maldon High Street, riding a small dark motorcycle.

One of the men forced entry into the jewellers and stole three watches, which are valued at around £70,000.

Both suspects left the scene on the motorcycle travelling down Butt Lane.

Officers searched the scene, and eyewitnesses reported seeing a police helicopter hovering above the high street.

Nobody was injured in the incident.

A spokesperson for Essex Police said officers arrived "within minutes" of being called.

The spokesperson said: "A widespread search took place but at this time no arrests have been made and our enquiries are ongoing.

"We need anyone who saw anything, has any CCTV, doorbell or dash cam footage of the incident to contact us.

"If you have any information you can submit a report online or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

"You can also call 101. Please quote incident 318 of Wednesday 30 March.

"You can also call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."