POLICE have today released an image of the robbers who threatened a New Forest jeweller with a handgun.

Detectives hope the image, which shows the men in disguise as they struck at the jewellers in Lymington, could lead to them being identified.

As reported by the Daily Echo, the terrifying raid took place at 11am yesterday, when the robbers entered Barry Papworth Jewellers and threatened shop owner David Price with a gun.

He was then ordered to lie on the floor while they grabbed cash and thousands of pounds worth of jewellery.

They then fled the shop in St Thomas Street and drove away in a blue Alfa Romeo 166, which was later found in Westbeams Road, Sway.

Witnesses have told the police the vehicle was parked there the night before the robbery.

Fifty-seven-year-old Mr Price was not injured.

Detectives have also appealed for anyone who saw what happened to contact Lyndhurst CID, while they also want to hear from any hoteliers and bed and breakfast proprietors who may have had men staying overnight before the robbery, who left on Thursday morning.

Detective Inspector Steve Deeprose said “Hampshire Constabulary will take every investigative opportunity to ensure that the people responsible for this cowardly and upsetting attack will be tracked down and made to face the consequences of their actions.”

Anyone with information should contact police at Lyndhurst CID on 101, quoting Operation Woodruff.