THESE dramatic CCTV images show a group of sledgehammer-wielding robbers performing a smash-and-grab raid on a Southampton pawnbrokers.

Wearing masks and helmets, the group are shown arriving on mopeds at Albemarle & Bond Jewellers, on Shirley High Street, before smashing holes in the shop's glass using sledgehammers.

The group stole £8,000 of jewellery before riding off.

CLICK HERE: To see our gallery of pictures from the smash-and-grab raid

After the incident, which took place just before 3pm on Friday, November 3, the men were traced to the Lordshill area of Southampton.

Officers have since recovered one of the mopeds which had previously been reported as stolen.

It is now in the process of being forensically examined.

Police say members of the public intervened and one man in his 60s was assaulted during the incident.

He has since made a full recovery.

PC Lee Murden from the Western Investigation Team said: “Thank you to passing members of the public and staff from nearby businesses who came forward and assisted with this investigation in its early stages.

“We believe that someone either knows who did this or recognises the group from the clothing they wore during the offence.

"I would like to hear from anyone with information or who believes they know who is responsible."

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Lee Murden from the Western Investigation Team at Southampton Central Police Station on 101 and quoting 44170428541.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and leave information anonymously.