Three men who were arrested yesterday (1/12), following an armed robbery at thecentre:mk, have been released without charge.

The incident happened at about 11.42am at Leslie Davis jewellers. Two men entered the shop and threatened staff and customers with what is belived to be a handgun. One of the offenders then smashed the back of the glass cabinets, leading to the window display, and grabbed a number of watches which are belived to be of high value. The exact number and value of what was stolen is not yet known.

The offenders then released a CS type gas outside the shop and possibly inside the shop and a blank firearm was discharged.

The offenders ran from the shop and left via Exit 11, which is between Next and The Entertainer. They made their getaway in a black Ford Focus, which had been reported stolen in Oxford on Sunday night (29/11). The car was found abandoned 13 minutes later on North Row, close to the footbridge into Conniburrow.

Det Ch Insp Pete Vigurs said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen these men running from the car and possibly across the footbridge into Conniburrow.

“Lots of people who were in the shopping centre have been really helpful in giving us information about the actual incident but now we really need witnesses to come forward who may have seen where the offenders went after they left the car.

“Luckily no-one was serioulsy injured during the incident, but staff and customers in the shop have been deeply affected by their ordeal. Our priority now is to catch the people repsonsible and stop them doing this again. The repsonse from the public has been excellent and we hope they will continue to help us with our investigation.

“Anyone who has any information should contact Thames Valley Police via the 24-hour non-emergency number 0845 8 505 505, quoting URN 789 1/12. If you don’t want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“I would like to reassure the residents of Milton Keynes that incidents of this nature are rare and officers are working extremely hard to bring those responsible to justice.”

The police cordon at the thecentremk has now been lifted and all stores other than Leslie Davis are open for business as usual.

miltonkeynes.com understand that the cheeky robbers were eastern european as one thanked the staff as they left.