Gatwards jewellers in Hitchin town centre has been forced to close today after a break-in overnight led to an arrest by police.

Officers were called just after midnight on Friday (22 May) to reports of a burglary at Gatwards Jewellers in Market Place.

Police said officers attended the scene quickly and arrested a man in his 50s nearby on suspicion of burglary. He remains in police custody while enquiries continue.

In a statement shared on social media this morning, the jewellers confirmed two windows had been smashed during the incident.

The business said: "Thankfully no one was hurt and we want to say a huge thank you to the police who responded quickly, caught the individual and guarded our windows overnight."

The popular Hitchin jewellers added that it would remain closed today while staff clear up damage and work with police and insurers. However, the store said it intends to reopen as normal tomorrow.

Police officers remained at the scene on Friday morning as investigations continued.

Anyone with information about the incident who has not yet spoken to police is asked to report information online via Hertfordshire Constabulary, use the force's online web chat service, or call 101 quoting crime reference 41/47157/26.

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People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.