ARMED robbers raided a city centre jewellers yesterday, leaving their getaway car burned out in a Chester suburb.

Three men - two wearing cartoon style masks according to one witness - were seen fleeing Walton's jewellers on East-gate Street at 12.30pm.

A burned out Jaguar was later found in Handbridge.

A HSBC worker, who called the police after seeing the robbers escape, said: 'I saw three men run across the road, up on to the Rows.

'Two looked like they were wearing masks - joke masks with big jaws and moustaches - and green jackets.

'They had to push through the crowd, one man said he saw them knock over a child in a buggy.

'The third man had a large black baton and looked like he was juggling something in his hands, so I assume they weren't empty-handed.'

A police spokesman said: 'The offenders are described as a white man and two black men, one with what appeared to be a handgun.

'They stole a quantity of watches and made off in a black Jaguar X Type which was later found burned out in St John's Rear Road, Handbridge.

'People with information should contact DC Brian Green on 0845 4580000, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.'

Walton's general manager Richard Hogben, was on duty when the robbers struck. He said: 'It was very scary, especially as a gun was involved, but all the staff remained very calm, it was over in a flash. I am very proud of them.'

Walton's other shop on The Cross was robbed less than a month ago, when £10,000 worth of watches was stolen.