THE boss of a Blackburn jeweller’s is celebrating the return of stock stolen in a £250,000 armed raid.

Jewels, gems, watches and rings were scattered over Blackburn town centre when a gang of four men raided Ancient and Modern, in New Market Street, in July last year.

Despite dumping some of the haul, Wayne Williams, Tarique Jules, Cleon Perry and Shaun Springer, all from London, escaped with high-value stock after conning staff to open a security door to show products in the window.

After working with Metropolitan Police, officers in Lancashire have now recovered £86,000 worth of jewellery through house raids in southern England.

Managing director Zachary Coles said: “The timing of the raid was not brilliant as it came only 12 hours after sentencing for a previous raid.

“We were writing thank-you letters to people involved in that case when it happened again.

"They were big, athletic lads who came in, carrying hammers and they threatened us.

"It’s great to get some of the stock back and to send a message out that we won’t let thugs beat us.”

Accounts manageress Alison Wearden was hit in the face by one of the raiders, who will be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on November 5.

She said: “I got whiplash and it was pretty scary. But it’s good we have got back some of the stolen items.”

Harriet O’Connor, shop manageress, added: “It was like being in a film. It was unbelievable.

"We were all shaking.”

Detective Sergeant Rob Anderson, leading the investigation, said: “We’re really pleased to return £86,000 of jewellery.

“It’s a fantastic result for us to be able to get some justice for Zac and the rest of the staff.

“The search continues for the remaining £130,000, but we are confident that items will come to light when presented in jewellery shops for service or sale, as serial numbers can be checked.”

Security has now been tightened at the Ancient and Modern premises.