Police are appealing for information after four people on two mopeds smashed the front of a jewellers at the Buttermarket in Ipswich this afternoon.

Police were contacted just after 4.50pm to reports that two mopeds, each with two people on board, were trying to ram Robert Gatward jewellers.

It is thought the offenders were dressed in black clothing, with black helmets, and initial calls said they may have had hammers, axes or similar and that they headed off towards Crown Street/ Upper Brook Street.

A search is under way to trace those responsible and officers are also starting investigations at the scene. Police confirmed tonight no items were stolen in the incident.

A cordon has been placed around the scene, which stretches back as far as Caffe Nero is Upper Brook Street.

One eyewitness, Sam Wade, 19, of Heath Lane, Ipswich, who works part-time at both Goldsmiths and Jessops, said he heard banging and went outside to see what it was.

“We saw two mopeds roar down the street,” he added.

He said he didn’t think anything had been stolen, although there was speculation the robbers tried to steal new Rolex watches at the jewellers.

At 6pm, the police cordon remained in place. Two knives could be seen on the ground in the Buttermarket, one about seven feet outside the shop, and another on the pavement near Toni and Guy hair salon.

Anyone with information that may assist is asked to call Suffolk police on 101.