DETECTIVES in London are working with Notts Police in a bid to catch armed robbers who escaped with �900,000 of jewellery from a shop in the capital.
City of London Police say new intelligence has emerged to suggest a Nottingham link to the raid last February and they are keen to hear from local people who can assist their inquiry.
The force said they were unable to be specific over the exact link between the city and the robbery.
Posing as workmen and dressed in high visibility clothing and wearing balaclavas, the robbers struck at John Haynes Jewellers in the City of London at around 7.30am on February 3 last year.
Owner John Haynes, 65, had just opened the premises when he was pushed through the door by two men, one of whom threatened him with a knife and forced him to open the safe. A third man was keeping watch outside.
Among the items stolen was a platinum ring with a single Tanzantine stone and two diamonds worth �17,000; a diamond necklace worth �18,950 and a diamond-set white gold bracelet worth �17,950.
Detective Inspector Edelle Michaels, who is leading the investigation, said: "These criminals subjected an innocent shop-owner to a terrifying knife-point ordeal and somebody out there must know who they were.
"Our intelligence suggests there may be a Nottingham link to the robbery and we have been working with Nottinghamshire Police, but we need the public's help. Get in touch, either directly or through Crimestoppers, and help us to bring these men to justice."
A reconstruction of the raid and appeal for information has featured on the BBC Crimewatch programme.
City of London Police is offering a �10,000 reward for information that leads to the robbers' arrest and conviction.
Despite the high profile appeals and cash reward, police have so far made no arrests.
The robbers are described as white, wearing dark clothing, with one wearing a fluorescent jacket. They made off with the jewellery in a black rucksack.
Speaking about his ordeal, Mr Haynes said: "It was very violent. One of them put a knife to my cheek and drew some blood. Having to work where it happened, it's difficult to get away from it. Whenever I hear a loud noise I fear the worst.
"At the time I had no idea what was happening to me. The robbery seemed like it lasted half-an-hour but it was probably five minutes. They even had the affront to hail a taxi to get away."
City of London Police have released pictures of some of the jewellery taken in the raid and a knife used and recovered from the scene. They also have CCTV stills of the suspects and a sketch of one of them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact City of London Police on 020 7601 2222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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