Five men whose failed smash-and-grab bid on a jewellery store in Taunton, Somerset, have been arrested after a 90-mile police chase ended in a car crash.
The raid took place on Wednesday, 2 March, when a masked gang attempted to rob Michael Spiers Jewellers on North Street at 10:30am.
It was reported by the BBC that the raiders were chased away by staff at neighbouring store Timpson – a cobblers – after they heard the disturbance. It is reported five watches were taking during the robbery.
The men fled in a car and were found around one hour later, at 11:30am, after the police chase ended in a collision on the M4, which also involved two members of the public and a police vehicle.
Wiltshire Police said that two members of the public were treated for minor injuries, while the five men arrested attended Great Western Hospitality in Swindon on Wednesday evening, although their injuries are not believed to be serious.
A statement from Avon and Somerset Police, who worked alongside Wiltshire Police, read: “We were called to reports of a robbery at the Michael Spiers Jewellers, North Street, Taunton at 10.30am yesterday [Wednesday]. A vehicle was seen leaving the area and a short while later it was located in the Wiltshire area.
“Five men were located and arrested. Three remain in custody and two are still receiving hospital treatment.”
Two lanes of the M4 eastbound, close to junction 15, remained closed on Wednesday evening while Wiltshire Police continued their investigation.
