BURGLARS smashed their way into a Nelson jewellers in an early-hours raid this morning.

Up to five men are believed to have used a fire extinguisher to smash through the shutters at Anwar Jewellers, in Every Street, at around 1.30am.

Several items are thought to have been taken in the raid.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said a member of staff tried to give chase but lost sight of the intruders as they ran off along Maurice Street.

The raid comes just days after an alleged armed robbery at the City of Gold jewellers in nearby Manchester Road.

Five men from Birmingham have appeared in court charged with that incident.