TWO men wearing balaclavas smashed the window of an Ilkley jewellers with sledgehammers this morning, stealing a quantity of jewellery.

Police were called at 10.59am to Phillips, in Brook Street, while the raid was in progress.

Posting on Facebook people in flats above the jewellers said it was 25 minutes before the first police car arrived.

Police have now sealed off an area of Brook Street outside the shop and the police helicopter has been circling over the town.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said no one was injured in the incident and police enquiries are ongoing.

Founded in 1880, Phillips of Ilkley is an independent fine jewellers located in the heart of Ilkley, with Trevor and Richard Thompson at the helm. Founder, Trevor Thompson has operated in Ilkley for over 30 years.

The shop sells high quality jewellery, diamonds and watches.