A POPULAR Bury jewellers remains closed after being targeted by three ram-raiders who drove a car through the shop's front shutters.

Police are appealing for information after the raid caused around £20,000 worth of damage to Sivvery's in Bolton Street, Bury.

The premises sustained structural damage and the thieves stole a quantity of jewellery, believed to be worth thousands of pounds.

The ram-raid happened at 9.15pm on Sunday when a green 3 Series BMW was deliberately reversed at speed into the shop front, causing considerable damage to the shutters, the window and the entrance.

After stealing a number of items, the raiders drove off in a red BMW which was recovered later in Higher Broughton.

Detectives have established that the car left behind at the scene had been stolen from the Strangeways area of Manchester. The getaway vehicle had been taken from the car park at TGI Friday's in Prestwich shortly before the ram-raid occurred.

Shopowner Mr Stuart Sivvery said: "I got a phone call saying the front of the building had collapsed. When I turned up, the car which had been used was across the road.

"I would like to apologise to my customers for any inconvenience caused by this ram-raid. This is the first time this has ever happened, although the shop has been burgled in the past. We won't be open or able to fire on all cylinders for a week or so. We have structural problems at the side of the building."

The businessman stressed that watches and other items of jewellery put into the shop for repair were not part of the raiders' haul.

Mr Sivvery continued: "This is a bad time for us because of the disruption that has been caused. This was so different, like dropping a bomb on the shop. We will resume business as soon as we can."

Bury police have already spoken to a number of witnesses. Those who saw the ram raid but who have not yet come forward are asked to contact Det Con Zan Rahman at Bury CID on 856 8152.

Anyone with other helpful information can call the same number or freephone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.