THIS burnt out wreck is all that remains of a getaway car used by an armed gang who stole thousands of pounds worth of jewellery from a city centre store.

The silver Jaguar was dumped and set alight on River Lane, Handbridge, less than 10 minutes after the gang of three men caused terror in the Mall Grosvenor last Thursday afternoon.

Brandishing a hand gun and a machete, the men stormed their way into family-owned jewellers Kayes at around 5.20pm. Four terrified members of staff were threatened before the men escaped with bags full of stolen goods.

After the masked driver managed to ram a Royal Mail van out of their path, the Jaguar screamed off up Bridge Street in busy afternoon traffic.

Witnesses described seeing a 'plume of smoke' in the sky minutes afterwards and police have now confirmed that the car was abandoned and destroyed, but so far can't confirm if the gang switched cars to complete their escape.

Detective Inspector Dave Blood, of Western Investigation Team, said: 'At this stage, we would be keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a car parked in the area before the incident.

'There must have been people walking their dogs close by at this time.

'We have discovered witnesses that have helped us track the route they took from the Bridge Street but not after they dumped the car.'

Det Ins Blood said: 'I am particularly interested in the sighting of a male below The Dingle suspension bridge.

'He was seen at around 5.30-6pm and, because of his proximity to where the car was abandoned, we are keen to trace him and would appeal for any other witnesses to come forward.'

Cheshire Constabulary's Organised Crime Unit took over the investigation and it was revealed that links to Liverpool gangs are being explored.

Det Ins Blood said: 'This was a well planned offence carried out in broad daylight that caused significant fear to members of the public and staff involved.

Kayes - which this week has been operating with a door buzzer, letting each customer in on an individual basis - re-opened only one day after the attack.

selena.o'donnell@cheshirenews.co.uk