DETECTIVES are investigating after £20,000 worth of watches were stolen from an Ambleside jeweller's.

Police were alerted to the burglary at Horseman's Jewellers, on Lake Road, when an alarm was activated at 3.40am.

When officers arrived in the early hours of Saturday (August 29) they found extensive damage had been done to the shop front.

A police spokesperson said a metal traffic restriction bollard had been used to smash the glass front to access the window display.

Designer wrist watches to the value of £20,000 including those by Sekonda and Dent were snatched.

MORE TOP STORIES: Enquiries at the scene has led investigating officers to seek the driver or occupants of a white or light coloured saloon vehicle seen to make off at the time of the burglary.

Detective sergeant Mike Wallace said: "We have already spoken to several members of the public who have assisted our investigation but appeal to anyone with relevant information to make contact.

"This crime has significantly impacted on this popular family run business."

Anyone with information is urged to contact 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.