THE manager of a Wirral jewellery store which was the target of a raid yesterday has thanked passers-by for their "help and kindness."

Police were called to Pykes in Grange Road shortly before 10am yesterday, following reports that men were breaking into a display window at the front of the store.

One eyewitness told the Globe that three men wearing balaclavas had pulled up in a black BMW outside the store.

What was at first believed to have been a smoke bomb thrown by the gang has turned out to be a security device deployed by the shop. It emits deep, dense smoke making it impossible for intruders to see.

Branch manager and associate director of Pykes, Graeme McKay, said: "I would like to thank the passers-by and shoppers in Grange Road in general, whose reaction has been fantastic.

"They have been extremely helpful to the police and showed great kindness to our staff."

It is the second time the store has been raided in recent months.

Police are studying CCTV footage and questioning witnesses. The raiders escaped with a small quantity of jewellery and watches. Their value is not known.

A police spokesman said officers were called to Pykes jewellers in Grange Road shortly before 10am following reports that several men were breaking into a display window at the front of the store.

"They left the scene in a dark-coloured car in the direction of Borough Road.

"No-one was hurt during the incident and no threats were made to staff. It is not known at this stage what was stolen from the store."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or saw anything suspicious in the area either before or after it is asked to call Birkenhead CID on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In December, Christmas shoppers looked on as three armed men with hammers and an axe leapt from a silver saloon car and began smashing the store's windows. They fled empty-handed.