Thieves swoop on Paris diamond store

Armed robbers have stolen millions of euros worth of gems in a raid on the luxury Harry Winston jewellers off the Champs Elysees. Three men entered the shop on Thursday evening and forced staff to hand over almost all the jewels on display before making their getaway. French media estimated the value of the haul at anywhere between 47 million euros and 62 million euros (£40 million- £53 million), but police said it was too early to be sure of the exact sum. A spokesman said: "The haul is worth several million euros. The estimates change." The attack came almost a year to the day after another raid on the same store. On that occasion masked robbers forced staff to empty the store's safes during a morning heist, taking at least £10 million worth of gems. Investigators believe the robbers this week were very well informed about their target. The spokesman said: "Apparently they knew the names of some of the staff." Harry Winston's pieces are worn by many film stars including Devil Wears Prada actress Anne Hathaway.

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ITN | December 5, 2008

Tags:. .shop. .evening. .swoop. .elysees. .heist