POLICE are hunting a gang of men who raided a Watford town centre jewellers and assaulted a member of staff before escaping with thousands of pounds worth of stock on Friday.

Seconds later, a car parked just metres away from the shop in High Street burst into flames sending dozens of terrified shoppers running for cover.

Officers are keeping an open mind, but have not ruled out the possibility that the two incidents are linked.

The four men pulled up outside J Morley in a grey Ford Escort at 5.00pm.

They ran into the shop and threatened four members of staff, assaulting one man who was taken to Watford General with a head injury but was released later.

As the robbers ran out of the back of the shop, a blue F reg VW Polo registration parked outsidet the One Bell pub erupted into flames.

It took firefighters from Watford 20 minutes to extinguish the blaze, which completely gutted the car.

Mr Sham Patel, manager of the High Street post office, said: "I heard this loud bang. At first I thought it was a bomb so I ran out and saw this car which was on fire."

Following the incidents, police immedediatley sealed off and searched the area.

Two men are now assisting them with their enquiries.

Anyone with any information should call the western area crime unit on 01442 271065 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

July 15, 2002 10:00